LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 









UNITE© STATES OF AMERICA. 



DIGEST 



CONSTITUTIONS, 



LAWS AND DECISIONS 



ANCIENT ORDER 



UNITED WORKMEN. 






of 



AS ADOPTED BY THE SUPREME LODGE, AT ITS SEVENTH ANNUAL 
SESSION, AT NASHVILLE, TENN., MARCH, 1879. 



asro/ 



BUFFALO: 

PRESS OF BAKER, JONES & CO. 

1879. 



Hs is 10 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, 

By M. W. Sackbtt, Supreme Recorder, for the Supreme Lodge, A. O. XJ. W. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter. Vfegt. 

I. The Supreme Lodge ••••••*•»•«•*•• 5 

n. Grand Lodges in General 21 

IIL Grand Lodges under the Immediate Jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge • 38 

IV. Grand Lodges as Separate Beneficiary Jurisdictions 34 

V. Outline of the Beneficiary System 88 

VI. Beneficiary Certificates 42 

VII. Assessments for Beneficiary Fund 52 

Vm. Beneficiary Fund 57 

IX. Suspension from the Order 63 

X. Reinstatement of Suspended or Expelled Members 66 

XI. Subordinate Lodges, their Powers, Duties, etc 69 

XH. Officers and Committees of Subordinate Lodges 77 

XIII. Applications for Membership 89 

XIV. Membership Degrees of the Order..... 95 

XV. Degree of Honor 98 

XVI. Past Master Workmen 99 

XVII. Benefits to Sick and Disabled Members 102 

XVm. Fees, Dues, Fines, etc 103 

XIX Regalia, Emblems, Rituals, Pass-Words, Signs, etc 105 

XX New Lodges 109 

XXL Clearance and Final Cards 113 

XXII. Charges, Trials, Appeals 117 



iv 

Chapter. Page. 

XXIII. Miscellaneous 121 

XXIV. Instructions to Deputy Supreme Master Workmen 125 

XXV. Kules of Order for Subordinate Lodges 128 



APPENDIX 

Forms used in the Order. •••••••• 137 

Act of Incorporation. •••••••••••• 160 



DIGEST OF THE LAWS Af^D DECISIONS 



OP THE 



fl$m$ OUP^ OF UNITED WOUKMBHj 



CHAPTER L 

THE SUPREME LODGE. 

NAME AND STYLE. 

1. This body shall be known by the name and style of the 
u Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen."— 
Const, Art L 

POWERS. 

2. The Supreme Lodge, when convened agreeably to the provi- 
sions of its Constitution, has original and exclusive jurisdiction 
over all subjects pertaining to the welfare of the Order, and 
appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of Grand Lodges 
and of Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction ; and 
its enactments and decisions, upon all questions, are the supreme 
law of the Order. Under these restrictions, the Supreme Lodge 
may hear and determine all matters of controversy or grievance 
which may be brought before it by appeal or otherwise ; issue 
Charters to Grand Lodges, and to Subordinate Lodges in territory 
not under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge ; reprove and punish 
the misconduct of Grand Lodges and of Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge; adopt 
laws and regulations of general application for the government of 
the Grand Lodges, and of the Subordinate Lodges under its im- 
mediate jurisdiction, and alter, amend or abrogate the same-; 
regulate and control the unwritten work of the Order, which shall 
not be altered or amended except by a two-thirds vote of the 
Representatives present at an annual meeting ; establish, prim 



6 

and provide all charters, rituals of the Order, and clearance, 
traveling and final cards ; make such assessments for revenue as 
may be necessary to defray the expense of the Supreme Lodge ; 
and generally, do all things right and proper for the promotion 
of tbe honor, dignity and weltare of the order. — Const, Art. IV, 
Seel. 

3. The Supreme Lodge may adopt such regulations and gen- 
eral laws as may be deemed necessary for the welfare of the 
Order, not inconsistent with the provisions of its Constitution, 
and alter, amend or abrogate the same. — Const, Art XL 

4. The Supreme Lodge shall issue, or cause to be issued, all 
certificates of the Beneficiary Fund. — Const, Art VIII, Sec. 4. 

5. Note. — The Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, Laws Ap- 
plicable to Grand Lodges, and Laws of General Application, hav- 
ing been adopted by the Supreme Lodge in accordance with its 
powers as above enumerated, are of binding force on the entire 
Order, and can only be altered or amended by the Supreme 
Lodge. All Grand Lodges (those set apart as separate jurisdic- 
tions, as well as those under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lod^e) having been granted power to issue Beneficiary 
Certificates, subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as 
those prescribed for the government of Subordinate Lodges un- 
der the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodise, it follows 
that the provisions of Article VII of the Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, and all otber laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme 
Lodge in regard to the Beneficiary Fund, are of binding force in 
every jurisdiction throughout the Order. They can be modified 
only to adapt them to Grand Jurisdictions, but cannot be altered, 
repealed or amended except by the Supreme Lodge. In this view, 
the following laws are general, and cannot be altered or amended 
by Grand Lodges : 

1. The Beneficiary Laws, Rules and Regulations. 

2. Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges. 

3. Laws of General Application. 

6. To the Supreme Lodge is reserved the power to establish the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen in States and Countries where 
the same does not exist. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. p. 146. 

7. To the Supreme Lodge belongs the exclusive power to design 
and regulate all the regalia, tools, emblems, and other parapher- 
nalia for the work of the Order. — lb., p. 147. 

8. The Supreme Lodge has, and of right should have, absolute 
control over all the secret and ritualistic work of the Order. — Pro. 
6th An. Sess. S. L., p. 367. 

9. The Supreme Lodge has the power to correct a Grand Lodge 
Constitution submitted for its approval, so as to make it conform 
to the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and the Laws of General 
Application, regulations and decisions thereof. — Pro, Mh An. 
Sess. S. L., p. 204. 



OF WHOM COMP08ED. 

10. The Supreme Lodge shall consist of the following officers : 
Past Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Master Workman, Su- 
preme Foreman, Supreme Overseer, Supreme Recorder, Supreme 
Receiver, Supreme Guide, Supreme Watchman, and three Trus- 
tees. Also, of the duly tlected Representatives of Grand Lodges 
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. All Past Supreme 
Master Workmen, other than the one in office as such, shall be 
entitled to all the rights of membership in the Supreme Lodge, 
except the right to vote, while they remain members of the Order 
in good standing. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1. 

ANNUAL MEETINGS. 

11. The Supreme Lodge shall meet annually, on the third Tues- 
day in March, at such place as may be designated at the preced- 
ing annual meeting ; provided, the time may be otherwise fixed by 
resolution passed at the preceding annual meeting. Should una- 
voidable circumstances arise, which, in the opinion of the Su- 
preme Master Workman and a majority of the officers of the Su- 
preme Lodge, would prevent a majority of the members from 
attending an annual meeting, he may postpone the same until 
such attendance can be had (not to exceed three months), due 
notice thereof being given to the members. — Const., Art. Ill, Seel. 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

12. Special meetings of the Supreme Lodge shall be called by 
the Supreme Master Workman when requested so to do by a ma- 
jority of the Representatives from one- third of the Grand Lodges. 
Const., Art. Ill, Sec. 2. 

QUORUM FOR BUSINESS. 

13. No business shall be transacted in the Supreme Lodge ex- 
cept the admission of members and adjourning from time to time, 
unless there be present one or more of the Representatives from 
a majority of the Grand Lodges entitled to representation therein. 
Const., Art. Ill, Sec. 3. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND TERMS OF OFFICE. 

14. All the officers of the Supreme Lodge (except the Trustees, 
one of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three years) 
shall be chosen at each annual meeting by a majority of the votes 
cast, but no vote shall be counted which may be given for any one 
not in nomination. When only one nomination shall be made 
for an office, the Supreme Lodge may dispense with the ballot and 
elect by acclamation. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 2. 

REPORTS TO BE MADE BEFORE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

15. The election of officers of the Supreme Lodge shall not 
take place until all officers required to make reports to the Lodge 
have done so, and said reports have been referred to appropriate 



committees, and by them reported upon to the Lodge. — Pro. 2d 
An. Seas. 8. L., p. 63. 

SALARIES TO BE FIXED BEFORE ELECTION. 

16. Officers of the Supreme Lodge to whom emoluments are 
paid, shall not be elected until the amount of salary for such 
office is first named. — Pro. 1th An. Sess. S. Z. f p. 115. 

OFFICE, ELIGIBILITY TO. 

17. Any Past Grand Master Workman in good standing, who 
is a member of a Grand Lodge, shall be eligible to any office in 
the Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1. 

OFFICER MAY ACT AS REPRESENTATIVE. 

18. A brother may simultaneously act in the double capacity of 
an officer of the Supreme Lodge and a Representative from a 
Grand Lodge.— Pro. 1th An. Sess. S. £., p. 107. 

RANK OF OFFICERS. 

19. The officers of the Supreme Lodge rank in the following 
order : 1. Past Supreme Master Workman ; 2. Supreme Master 
Workman; 3. Supreme Foreman ; 4. Supreme Overseer ; 5. Su- 
preme Recorder; 6. Supreme Receiver; 7. Supreme Guide ; 8. 
Supreme Watchman. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1. 

20. Of the Trustees, the oldest in office ranks first and acts as 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees. 

21. Past Supreme Master Workmen (other than the one in 
office) hold honorary rank, and take precedence according to pri- 
ority of date of attaining the honors of the office. 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

22. The installation of officers is the first business in order after 
their election. The Senior Past Supreme Master Workman pre- 
sent (according to rank) officiates, using the prescribed form for 
installation as required by the Ritual of the Order. 

23. Note. — If any officer is not present at the time for installa- 
tion, it is within the power of the Supreme Lodge to declare his 
office vacant, and proceed forthwith to fill the vacancy. 

BONDS OF OFFICERS. 

24. The Supreme Recorder shall, when required to do so by 
the Supreme Lodge, execute a bond in such penalty as may be 
fixed by it, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. — 
Const, Art. V> Sec. 3. 

25. The Supreme Receiver shall, before entering upon the dis- 
charge of his duty, execute and file with the Supreme Master 
Workman, an official bond, in such penalty as may be fixed from 
time to time by the Supreme Lodge, payable to the Supreme Mas- 



9 

ter Workman and his successors in office, with two or more suffi- 
cient sureties, to be approved by the Supreme Master Workman, 
Supreme Foreman aud Supreme Overseer, conditioned that he 
will pay or deliver on demand to the Supreme Lodge or the Su- 
preme Master Workman ot the Supreme Lodge, or to his succes- 
sor in office, or properly account for, all funds and property of 
the Supreme Lodge, or on any other account that shall come to 
his hands as Supreme Receiver and shall in all respects faithfully 
discharge the duties devolving upon him as Supreme Receiver, 
under the Constitution and rules and regulations of the Supreme 
Lodge ; and should the Supreme Receiver fail or refuse, for 
twenty days after his election, to execute and have approved the 
bond herein required, it shall be the duty of the Supreme Master 
Workman, with the approval of the Supreme Foreman and Su- 
preme Overseer, to appoint another Supreme Receiver, who shall 
execute a bond as herein required, and enter upon the discharge 
of the duties of the position. — Const, Art. V, JSec. 4. 

20. The penalty of the bond of the Supreme Recorder is fixed 
at ten thousand dollars, and that of the Supreme Receiver at 
twenty thousand dollars. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. 8. Z., p. 313. 

27. The bonds of officers shall contain the following clause : 
"The Beneficiary Fund which may come into my hands, shall be 
preserved by me intact, and paid over by me as the law of the 
Order directs, and in no case shall any claim which I may have 
against the Order be settled or plead as an offset against the col- 
lection from me of any of said fund by suit on this bond." — Oen. 
Law 31. 

28. Note. — The Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman 
and Supreme Overseer, accept and approve all official bonds 
required of Supreme Lodge officers. — [See No. 29.] 

SUrREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES AND POWERS OF. 

29. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Master Workman, and 
he has the power, to preside in the Supreme Lodge ; to exercise 
and discharge the executive functions of the Supreme Lodge 
when it is not in session ; to convene any Subordinate Lodge un- 
der the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge ; to preside 
therein ; to inspect their proceedings, and require their conform- 
ity to the rules and regulations of the Order ; to require the 
attendance of, and information from, any officer of the Supreme 
Lodye respecting his office, and, for cause, to suspend such officer 
and appoint another in his stead to act until the next meeting of 
the Supreme Lodge; to grant dispensations for the formation of 
Grand Lodges, and charters for the organization of Subordinate 
Lodges to be under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, in States and Territories where no Grand Lodge exists. 
He shall immediately notify the Supreme Recorder of the grant- 
ing of such dispensations. He may appoint such deputies as may 
be necessary for the promotion of the interests of the Order, and 



10 

In such cases, shall require from each a bond with approved sure- 
ties, in such penalty as he may determine, and revoke such ap- 
pointments at pleasure. At the annual meetings of the Supreme 
Lodge, he shall present a report, in detail, of bis acts during the 
recess. He shall establish a pass- word semi-annually, which shall 
be the same throughout the Order. He shall examine and act 
upon all appeals submitted to him, first referring them to the 
Standing Committee on Appeals and Grievances, when in his 
opinion it is proper to do so. He shall, with the Supreme Fore- 
man and Supreme Overseer, accept and approve all official bonds 
required of the officers of the Supreme Lodge. He shall sign all 
official documents emanating from the Supreme Lodge, and per- 
form such other duties as may be required of him by the Supreme 
Lodge. — Const.,, Art. V, Sec. 1. 

30. The Supreme Master Workman shall install or cause to be 
installed the officers elect of a new Grand Lodge, and forward or 
cause to be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder, a notice of the 
organization, and a list of the officers. — Laws Ap. to O. L. t Sec. 8. 

31. Note. — The Supreme Master Workman being required " to 
execute and discharge the executive functions of the Supreme 
Lodge when it is not in session," it is his duty to exercise super- 
vision over Grand Lodges, and to require compliance with the 
laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge. 

VACANCY IN OFFICE OF SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 

32. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, 
of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, 
the Supreme Foreman, the Supreme Overseer and the acting Past 
Supreme Master Workman shall, in succession, succeed to his pre- 
rogatives and duties for all purposes, and these officers shall per- 
form such other duties as may from time to time be required of 
them by the Supreme Lodge. In the absence of all of these 
officers, the oldest Past Officer of the Supreme Lodge, present, 
according to rank, shall preside at all meetings. — Const., Art. V t 
Sec. 2. 

SUPREME FOREMAN, DUTIES OF. 

33. The Supreme Foreman is required to perform such duties 
as are appropriate to his station, and as may from time to time be 
required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of the death, 
resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master 
Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, the Supreme Foreman 
shall succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes. — 
Const. , Art. V, Sees. 2 and 5. 

34. It is the duty of the Supreme Foreman to act with the Su- 
preme Master Workman and Supreme Overseer in the acceptance 
and approval of all official bonds required of the officers of the 
.Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. V y Sec. 1. 



11 

SUPREME OVERSEER, DUTIES OP. 

35. The Supreme Overseer is required to perform such duties as 
are appropriate to his station, and as may, from time to time, be 
required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of the death, 
resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme Master 
Workman, of a vacancy in his office, and of the death or absence 
of the Supreme Foreman, or his inability to perform the duties 
of said office, the Supreme Overseer shall succeed to the preroga- 
tives and duties of the Supreme Master Workman for all pur- 
poses. — Const, Art. V, Sees. 2 and 5. 

36. It is the duty of the Supreme Overseer to act with the Su- 
preme Master Workman and Supreme Foreman in accepting and 
approving all official bonds required of the officers of the Su- 
preme Lodge. — Const., ArtV, Sec. 1. 

SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 

37. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Recorder to record the 
transactions of the Supreme Lodge ; to receive, duly file, and 
safely keep all papers and documents of the Supreme Lodge ; to 
prepare, sign and certify all charters, dispensations and other in- 
struments emanating from the Supreme Lodge, and when neces- 
sary, affix the seal of the Supreme Lodge thereto ; to keep an 
accurate account of all moneys received and paid out by himself, 
and of all drafts or warrants drawn on the Supreme Receiver, and 
to report the same to the Supreme Lodge annually, by items; 
also the Lodges that have neglected to render proper returns and 
are in arrears, and such general information as to the state of the 
Lodges and of the Order, as may be proper for the information 
or action of the Supreme Lodge ; to conduct the correspondence 
of the Supreme Lodge ; to attend, with all books and papers 
under his control, on all meetings of the Supreme Lodge, and 
perform such other duties as may, from time to time, be required 
by the Supreme Lodge. He shall, when required so to do by the 
Supreme Lodge, execute a bond in such penalty as may be fixed 
by it, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. — Const, 
Art V, Sec. 3. 

38. The Supreme Recorder shall, on or before the first day of 
each month, make full statement of all receipts and disbursements 
of Beneficiary Fund ; the correctness of which statement shall 
be attested by the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee, and the 
same sent to each Subordinate Lodge. — Const, Art VIII, Sec. 17. 

39. He shall publish on or before the first day of each month, 
a full statement by Lodges, of all Beneficiary Funds received 
from each Grand Lodge (not set apart as a separate jurisdiction,) 
and forward to each Grand Recorder a sufficient number to send 
each Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction one copy The cor- 
rectness of such statement shall be attested to by the Supreme 
Lodge Finance Committee. — Const, Art. VII, Sec. 4. 



12 

40. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Recorder, in the reports 
required of him each month, in addition to the receipts and dis- 
bursements of Beneficiary Funds of the Supreme Lodge, to in- 
clude by States, the amount disbursed by separate jurisdictions; 
also the names of all expelled members ms reported; and he shall 
send a sufficient number of copies to each separate jurisdiction, 
to supply each Subordinate Lodge thereof with one copy.— Const., 
Art. VIII, Sec. 20. 

41. Note. — From the three preceding paragraphs it will be seen 
that the monthly statement of the Supreme Recorder is to con- 
tain : (1) a statement, by Lodges, of all receipts for Beneficiary 
Fund from Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, as well as from those under Grand Lodges 
not set apart as separate jurisdictions ; (2) a statement of all dis- 
bursements of the Beneficiary Fund by the Supreme Lodge ; (3) 
a statement of the amount of the Beneficiary Fund received and 
disbursed by each separate jurisdiction ; (4) a list of the names of 
all expelled members not previously reported ; (5) a statement of 
the receipts and disbursements of the General Fund of the Su- 
preme Lodge. Each Subordinate Lodge in the entire Order is to 
receive a copy of this monthly statement. 

42. The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge set apart as a 
separate jurisdiction, shall make report in gross to the Supreme 
Recorder each month of beneficiary moneys received and dis- 
bursed in his jurisdiction, and the Supreme Recorder shall make 
record of the same in the books of the Supreme Lodge. — Const., 
Art. VI Sec. 4. 

43. The Supreme Recorder shall pay over to the Supreme Re- 
ceiver all monevs belonging to the General Fund, whenever the 
sum in his hands shall reach fifty dollars. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. 

*Z.,i>.87. 

44. The Supreme Recorder is required to keep a book in which 
shall be entered, with appropriate index, all deaths in his juris- 
diction.— Pro. Uh An. Sess. S. L. y p. 202. 

45. The Supreme Recorder's annual report, closing March 1st. 
of each year, shall be printed and ready for distribution to the 
Supreme Locke on the first day of each annual session. — Pro. 1th 
An, Sess., S. L., p. 56. 

Note. — Further provisions in regard to the duties of the Su- 
preme Recorder will be found in the chapters on Beneficiary Cer- 
tificates, Assessments, Grand Lodges, etc. 

SUPREME RECEIVER, DUTIES OF. 

46. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Receiver to take charge 
of all the funds and property of the Supreme Lodge not other- 
wise disposed of ; pay all orders drawn on him by the Supreme 
Master Workman, attested by the Supreme Recorder, with the 
seal of the Supreme Lodge attached, for appropriations made by 
the Supreme Lodge ; to render in writing to the Supreme Lodge 



13 

at each annual meeting, and oftener if required by the Supreme 
Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman, a true and perfect ac- 
count of his receipts and expenditures, by items, and from whom 
received and to whom paid, and the amount of funds and prop- 
erty in his hands, and, when required by the Supreme Lodge or 
the Supreme Master Workman, to deliver to the Finance Com- 
mittee, for examination, the books and vouchers pertaining to 
his office. He shall execute a receipt for all moneys coming into 
his hands, stating therein on what account the same is received, 
and he shall, in all cases, cause said receipt to be countersigned by 
the. Supreme Recorder. The Supreme Receiver shall perform 
such other duties as may from time to time be required of him 
by the Supreme Lodge. — Const. , Art. V, Sec. 4. 

47. The Supreme Receiver shall receipt through the Supreme 
Recorder for all Beneficiary Funds received by him from Subor- 
dinate Lodges.— Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 

SUPREME GUIDE, DUTIES OF. 

48. The Supreme Guide shall perform such duties as are appro- 
priate to his station, and asjnay from time to time be required by 
the Supreme Lodge. — Const., Art. V, Sec. 5. 

SUPREME WATCHMAN. 

49. The Supreme Watchman shall perform such duties as are 
appropriate to his station, and as may from time to time be re- 
quired by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, Sec. 5. 

TRUSTEES, DUTIES OP. 

50. The Trustees shall perform such duties as may from time 
to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, Sec. 5. 

PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OP, ETC. 

51. The acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall perform 
such duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may from 
time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art V, 
Sec. 5. 

52. In case of the death, resignation, absence or inability to 
act, of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his 
office, not filled by the Supreme Foreman or Supreme Overseer, 
the acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall succeed to the 
prerogatives and duties of the Supreme Master Workman for all 
purposes. — Const, ArtV, Sec. 2. 

53. The Junior Past Supreme Master Workman is an officer 
and member of the Supreme Ledge, and as such is entitled to a 
vote. If he is absent from the meetings of the Supreme Lodge, 
his name not having been enrolled as a member present during 
the meeting, a vacancy exists for the time in the office, which 
must be filled. The one appointed to fill the vacancy is entitled 
to all the rights and privileges of the position, including that of 



14 

voting as a member of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 1th An. Sess., 
8, Z., p. 113. 

STANDING COMMITTEES. 

54. At each annual meeting the Supreme Master Workman 
shall appoint the following Standing Committees: 1. On Fi- 
nance; 2. On Appeals and Grievances ; 3. On Laws and Super- 
vision ; 4. On Returns. — Sup. L. Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3. 

55. The Committee on Finance and on Laws and Supervision 
shall be appointed at the close of each annual meeting, to act 
until the close of the next annual meeting. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3. 

56. The Standing Committees appointed at the close of each 
annual meeting, viz : the Committee on Finance and the Com- 
mittee on Laws and Supervision, are required to meet at the 
place fixed for the annual meetings of the Supreme Lodge, three 
days before the meeting, at which time there shall be placed in 
their hands all business requiring action, and their reports there- 
on shall be submitted to the Supreme Lodge on or before the 
second day of the meeting thereof. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., p. 
399. 

57. Note. — The Committee on Appeals and Grievances, and 
that on Returns, are appointed at the beginning of each an- 
nual meeting, and act only during its continuance. 

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, DUTIES OF. 

58. It is the duty of the Committee on Finance to examine all 
bills presented to the Supreme Lodge ; to make out a pay roll 
showing the mileage and per diem due each member ; to receive 
from the Supreme Recorder all propositions for printing and 
supplies ordered by the Supreme Lodge; to direct to whom 
contracts shall be given ; to fix the price to be paid for sup- 
plies ; to examine the books and accounts of the Supreme Re- 
corder and Supreme Receiver whenever required so to do by the 
Supreme Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman ; to submit, 
at each annual meeting, a statement of the property and the assets 
and liabilities of the Supreme Lodge; and to perform such other 
duties as may be required by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme 
Master Workman. — Const, Art. IV, Sec. 3. 

59. They shall attest to the correctness of the monthly state- 
ments made by the Supreme Recorder of the Beneficiary Funds 
received from each Grand Lodge. — Const., Art, VH> Sec. 4. 

60. The Finance Committee shall attest to the correctness of 
the monthly statement made by the Supreme Recorder of the 
receipts and disbursements of the Beneficiary Fund. — Const., Art. 
VIII, Sec. 17. 

61. No order shall be made by the Supreme Recorder upon the 
Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate Lodges except with the ap- 



15 

proval of the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. — Const, Art 
VIII, Sec. 17. 

62. All bills, previous to payment, must receive the endorse- 
ment of the majority of the Finance Committee. — Pro. 3d An. 
Sess. S. L. y p. 153. 

63 In the event that the Chairman of the Finance Committee 
shall rind it impracticable to secure the attendance of either of 
the other members of said Committee when required to perform 
any duty, he may select to assist him in doing so any one or more 
Master Workman degree members of the Order in good stand- 
ing.— i>o. 5t7i An. Sess. S. L.,p. 313. 

64. During the interim of the sessions of the Supreme Lodge it 
shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to establish the price 
of any printed work or supplies not before established, and re- 
port their action at the next session of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 
3d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 143. 



COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES, DUTIES OP. 

65. It is the duty of the Committee on Appeals and Grievances 
to examine and report upon all appeals and grievances from 
Grand or Subordinate Lodges or members thereof, referred to it 
by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const, 
Art IV, Sec. 3. 

66. Note. — The Committee on Appeals and Grievances is ap- 
pointed at the beginning of each annual meeting to serve during 
the meeting. The duty of examining appeals and grievances 
during the interim, is placed upon the Committee on Laws and 
Supervision. 

COMMITTEE ON LAWS AND SUPERVISION, DUTIES OP. 

67. To examine and report upon the Constitution, By-Laws, 
Rules and Regulations of Grand Lodges, and of Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 
When the Supreme Lodge is not in session, their report shall be 
made to the Supreme Master Workman, and the Constitution, 
By Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges aforesaid, shall have no binding force until approved by 
the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const , 
Art IV, Sec. 3. 

68. The Committee on Laws and Supervision shall, during the 
recess of the Supreme Lodge, in addition to other duties required 
of it, examine and report upon all appeals and grievances from 
Grand or Subordinate Lodges, or members thereof, referred to it 
by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. — Const. , 
Art IV Sec. 3. 



16 

COMMITTEE ON RETURNS AND CREDENTIALS, DUTIES OP. 

69. It is the duty of the Committee on Returns and Creden- 
tials to examine and report upon all returns to the Supreme 
Lodge and the credentials of the members thereof. — Const., ArU 
IK Sec. 3. 

SPECIAL COMMITTEES. 

70. Special Committees may be appointed by the Supreme 
Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman, from time to time, as 
circumstances may require. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3. 

PAST OFFICERS. 

71. All Past Supreme Master Workmen, other than the one in 
office as such, shall be entitled to all the rights of membership 
in the Supreme Lodge, except the right to vote, while they remain 
members of the Order, in good standing. — Const., Art. II, Sec. 1. 

72. In the absence of the Supreme Master Workman, the Su- 
preme Foreman, the Supreme Overseer, and the acting Past Su- 
preme Master Workman, the oldest Past Officer of the Supreme 
Lodge present, according to rank, shall preside at all meetings. 
Const, Art. V, Sec. 2. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

73. Each Grand Lodge shall be entitled to three Representa- 
tives in the Supreme Lodge. — Const, Art. II, Sec. 2. 

74. Past Grand Master Workmen only are eligible to election 
as Supreme Representatives. — Laws Ap. to G. L., Sec. 7. 

75. Any Grand Lodge failing to pay all assessments made upon 
it, or to make returns as required, shall forfeit all right to repre- 
sentation in the Supreme Lodge, and the names of its Represen- 
tatives shall not be enrolled as members of the Supreme Lodge. — 
Const., Art. IX. 

76. In case of a vacancy in the Representatives from a Grand 
Lodge, the Grand Master Workman thereof may appoint a qual- 
ified Past Grand Master Workman to serve until the vacancy may 
be filled by a new election; provided, that in no case can a broth- 
er be appointed who is not in good standing in the Subordinate 
Lodge to which he belongs.— Laws Ap. to O. L. Sec. 20. 

VOTING. 

77. Each member of the Supreme Lodge has one vote, only, 
and each Grand Lodge, in addition, shall be entitled to one vote 
for each one thousand members under its jurisdiction, as shown 
by its last official return to the Supreme Lodge, and for any frac- 
tion of a thousand over five hundred, one additional vote; but no 
Grand Lodge shall have more than five votes. This shall be the 
ratio of voting in all elections, and also when such a vote shall 
be demanded by five members. All other matter shall be deter- 



17 

mined by a majority of the members present, and in case of a tie, 
the presiding officer gives the casting vote. The vote to which 
each Grand Lodge is entitled, shall be cast by its Representatives 
in such manner as they may agree, the senior Representative or 
Representatives, in age, being entitled to preference in case of dis- 
agreement; unless the Grand Lodge shall designate otherwise at 
the time of electing such Representatives. — Const., Art IV, Sec. 2. 

VISITORS. 

78. All Past Grand Master Workmen and Past Master Work- 
men, in good standing, who are members of a Grand Lodge, shall 
be admitted to seats in the Supreme Lodge as visitors. — Const., 
Art. II } Sec. 1. 

DEPUTY SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 

79. The Supreme Master Workman may appoint such Deputies 
as may be necessary for the promotion of the interests of the 
Order, and in such case shall require from each a bond with 
approved sureties, in such penalty as he may determine, and 
revoke such appointment at pleasure. — Const., Art. VI, Sec. 1. 

80. Note. — Deputy Supreme Master Workmen, being appointed 
by the Supreme Master Workman, for specific purposes, and 
their appointments being revocable at his pleasure, they are not 
officers of the Supreme Lodge, nor entitled to any rank or posi- 
tion in the same by virtue of their appointment as Deputies. 
Their reports are made to the Supreme Master Workman, and 
not to the Supreme Lodge. 

81. A Deputy Supreme Master Workman who institutes a 
Grand Lodge shall receive the same compensation as he does for 
instituting a Subordinate Lodge. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. , p. 132. 

82. If a Grand Lodge is instituted by the Supreme Master 
Workman, he shall be paid by the Supreme Lodge his actual 
necessary expenses, if the distance does not exceed five hundred 
miles from his place of residence; and for any distance exceed- 
ing five hundred miles, a Deputy Supreme Master Workman shall 
institute the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Lodge instituted shall 
pay the additional expenses of the Supreme Master Workman. — 
Ibid. 

83. The compensation which an instituting officer shall be 
allowed for instituting a new Lodge under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, shall be fifty dollars. Grand Lodges 
may determine what shall be paid for their services in their 
respective jurisdictions. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. JL, p. 62. 

DECISIONS. 

84. All decisions of the Supreme Lodge have the force and effect 
of law throughout the whole Order wherever applicable. The 
decisions of the Supreme Master Workman have the same force 
unless reversed or changed by the Supreme Lodge. 



18 

QUESTIONS OF LAW. 

85.. It is no part of the duty of the Supreme Lodge or of its 
committees to entertain or answer mere abstract questions of 
constitutional construction. The Constitution and Laws of the 
Order amply provide the proper mode of deciding all questions 
that properly arise in the transactions of the Order.- The prac- 
tice of propounding and answering questions, as above indicated, 
shall, from this time, cease. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L., p. 114. 

UNWRITTEN WORK. 

86. The unwritten work of the Order shall not be altered or 
amended except by a two-thirds vote of the Representatives pres- 
ent at an annual meeting. — Const., Art. IV, Sec. 1. 

SECRET JOURNAL. 

87. All the proceedings of the Supreme Lodge, whilst in secret 
session, and all of the secret work of the Order, written and un- 
written, shall be recorded and described, and all changes and 
amendments noted, in a suitable book (or books), to be known as 
the Secret Journal, which Journal shall be in the possession of the 
Supreme Master Workman, and shall be brought to every annual 
session of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 2d An. Sess. S. L., p. 63. 

RULES OP ORDER OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 

88. 1. At each session of the Supreme Lodge, the proper officer 
shall call the Lodge to order at the hour fixed for opening. 

2. The proper officer shall take the chair each day precisely at 
the time fixed for the meeting, and immediately call the members 
to order, and on the appearance of a quorum proceed to business. 

3. At the expiration of 30 minutes after the specified time of 
meeting, if there be not a quorum, the members present may or- 
ganize informally, call the roll, note the absentees, make an order 
for their fine or censure, and may adjourn to such time as they 
may deem right or proper, or they may send the Guide for ab- 
sentees. 

4. No question relating to the construction of the Constitution 
or interpretation of the General Laws shall be entertained, unless 
in writing, and the same shall not be acted upon until it has been 
referred to the Committee on Laws and Supervision. 

5. The meetings of this Lodge shall commence in the morning 
at 9 o'clock, and in the afternoon at 2 o'clock. 

6. No member shall speak more than twice on the same ques- 
tion without leave of the Lodge, and not then until every mem- 
ber present has had an opportunity to speak to the question. 

7. All members entitled to a vote shall vote on all questions. 

8. All resolutions, petitions, reports of committees and officers 
shall be in writing and signed by the authors thereof. 

9. Any or all of these rules may be suspended or amended, or 
the following order of business maybe transposed by a two-thirds 
vote of the Supreme Lodge. 



19 

10. The previous question may be ordered by a majority vote 
of the Supreme Lodge. 

PARLIAMENTARY MANUAL. 

89. "Roberts' Rules of Order" shall govern the parliamentary 
practice of the Supreme Lodge, and of all Grand Lodges when 
not otherwise provide for. — Gen Law, 48. 

DAILY ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

90. 1. Calling the roll of Officers and Representatives. 

2. Reading of the Journal. 

3. Report of Committee on Credentials. 

4. Presentation of Resolutions, Memorials, Petitions and 

Appeals. 

5. "Report of Committee on Finance and Mileage. 

6. " " Appeals and Grievances. 

7. u " Laws and Supervision. 

8. . " Special Committees. 

9. Unfinished Business. 
10. New Business. 

—Pro. 5th. An. Sess. 8. L.,pp. 284-286. 

91. Propositions intended for the consideration of the several 
Committees, shall be referred without the vote of the Supreme 
Lodge, and all such propositions must be printed or written in 
duplicate ; and if in writing, they must be written on paper half 
as large as a sheet of foolscap, one copy of each proposition to 
be filed by the Supreme Recorder, and one placed in the hands 
of the committee to whom it was referred. — Pro. 4th An. Sess. S. X., 
p. 178; 5th An. Sess., p. 249. 

ACCEPTANCE OP INVITATIONS. 

92. No invitation to attend any meeting, reception, entertain- 
ment or excursion, for the Supreme Lodge as a Lodge, shall be 
accepted, unless by a two-thirds vote of the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. 
7th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 106. 

SEALS. 

93. The impress seal of the Supreme Lodge is the official seal 
of the Supreme Recorder and of all financial matters of the Su- 
preme Lodge ; and the electrotype seal is the official seal of the 
Supreme Master Workman. The same law applies to all State 
Grand Lodges. — Pro. 1st An. Sess. S. L. y p. 14. 

94. The Supreme Recorder shall have a chromatic seal plate to 
print the seals in colors, and the same shall be affixed to charts 
by him, and have the impress seal of the Supreme Lodge on the 
same. — Pro. 5th An Sess. S. L., p. 315. 

95. The Supreme Recorder is hereby directed to attach a chro- 
matic seal to each charter sold or issued by the Supreme Lodge. 
Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L., p. 93. 



20 

SUPREME LODGE REGALIA. 

(See Chapter XIX) 

"WORKING TOOLS, SAMPLES OP TO BE DISPLAYED. 

96. Samples of the working tools adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge for the use of Subordinate Lodges, shall be exposed at 
each session of the Supreme Lodge, for the benefit of the Repre- 
sentatives. — Pro. Uh An. Sess. S. L.,p. 199. 

DISTINGUISHING COLOR. 

97. The distinguishing color of the Supreme Lodge shall be 
purple. — Pro 2d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 45. 

FINANCIAL YEAR. 

98. The Supreme Lodge financial year shall close on the last 
day of February of each and every year, at which time the books 
shall be closed and balanced, and the new financial year shall 
commence on the first day of March in each and every year, and 
the assessment notices shall be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., during the 
financial year. — Pro. Uh An. Sess. S. L. } p. 206. 

99. The fiscal year of the Supreme Lodge, in all its relations 
with Grand and Subordinate Lodges, shall be determined as com- 
mencing with the fir*t day of March and closing with the last 
day of February following. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L.> p. 73. 

MILEAGE AND PER DIEM. 

100. The officers of the Supreme Lodge, and the Representa- 
tives and members thereof, and the Standing Committees ap- 
pointed at the close of each annual meeting, shall be entitled to 
three dollars for each day of actual attendance at the meeting 
of the Supreme Lodge, or under its order, and ten cents per mile 
traveled one way in going to and returning from the place of 
meeting, the distance to be computed by the nearest practicable 
route.— Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., ^/399. 

MONEYS, HOW PAID OUT. 

101. All moneys paid by the Supreme Lodge shall be paid 
through the Supreme Receiver. — Pro. 4th An. Sess. S. L., p. 202. 

102. No money shall be paid out of the General Fund for any 
purpose, except upon an order drawn by the Supreme Master 
Workman upon the Supreme Receiver, countersigned by the Su- 
preme Recorder, with the seal of the Supreme Lodge attached. 
Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 87. 

PRINTING AND SUPPLIES. 

103. The Supreme Recorder shall be required to received pro- 
posals for all printing and supplies ordered by the Supreme 
Lodge, and shall refer said proposals to the Committee on Fi- 



21 

nance, who shall direct to whom contracts shall be given. — Pro. 
1th An. Sess. S. L., p. 202; Const., Art. IV, Sec. 3. 

SUPREME LODGE REVENUE. 

104. The assessments for revenue made by the Supreme Lodge 
shall be prescribed, from time to time, by the regulations thereof, 
and of which due notice shall be given to all concerned. — Const., 
Art. IX. 

CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENTS TO. 

105. Alterations and amendments to the Constitution of the 
Supreme Lodge may be made at any annual meeting of the Su- 
preme Lodge, by a vote of two- thirds of the entire number to 
which the members enrolled at such meeting are entitled. — Const., 
Art. XI. 

SUBORDINATE LODGE CONSTITUTION. 

106. "No alteration or amendment shall be made to the Consti- 
tution for Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, unless the same be proposed in writing at 
a regular meeting of the Supreme Lodge and adopted by a two- 
thirds vote.— Sub. L. Const, Art. XIX. 

GENERAL LAWS. 

107. A vote of two-thirds of the entire number of members 
enrolled at any meeting of the Supreme Lodge, is necessary to 
alter, amend or abrogate any of the provisions of the General 
Laws of the Order. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L., p. 114. 



CHAPTER II. 

GRAND LODGES IN GENERAL. 

Note. — The laws and decisions in this Chapter are such- as are 
applicable to all Grand Lodges. Those which apply only to 
Grand Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, and those applicable only to Grand Lodges as separate 
jurisdictions, will be found in the two following Chapters. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

108. By virtue of authority from the Supreme Lodge, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, Grand Lodges are established in 
States, Districts and Territories, and are composed only of the 
Past Master Workmen in good standing in the Subordinate 
Lodges under the jurisdiction of such Grand Lodges. — Laws Ap. 
to G. L., Sec. 1. 



22 

109. Note, — Each State or Territory in which the Supreme 
Lodge organizes Subordinate Lodges, being regarded as a field 
for a future Grand Lodge, the usage is to number the Subor- 
dinate Lodges of each State separately, so that when Grand 
Lodges are afterwards established, the Subordinate Lodges under 
each will be regularly numbered from No. 1 up. The same rule 
is applied to the numbering of Beneficiary Certificates. When 
it may be advisable that a small State or Territory should be 
joined with a contiguous one to form a field for a future Grand 
Lodge, the Lodges in each would be numbered in a separate 
series, but regarded iu all respects the same as if they belonged 
to a single State. The term " District" in the above law relers 
to such territory as may be designated by the Supreme Lodge as 
a Grand Lodge jurisdiction. 

ARREARAGES TO BE PAID BEFORE INSTITUTION. 

110. No Grand Lodge shall be instituted until all the Subor- 
dinate Lodges in the State, District or Territory petitioning for a 
Grand Lodge shall have paid all arrearages to the Supreme Lodge. 
Laws Ap. to G. L. y Sec. 14. 

FORMATION OF GRAND LODGES. 

111. When ten or more Subordinate Lodges in any State, Dis- 
trict or Territory in which there is no Grand Lodge, shall petition 
the Supreme Master Workman to institute a Grand Lodge in such 
State, District or Territory, he shall direct the Supreme Recorder 
to notify each Subordinate Lodge in such State, District or Ter- 
ritory, to elect three Representatives on the first meeting night 
after the receipt of the notice, from among its Past Master Work- 
men in good standing, to participate in the formation of the Grand 
Lodge. — Laws Ap. to G. L. % Sec. 3. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO NEW GRAND LODGES. 

112. If a Subordinate Lodge, when notified to elect Represen- 
tatives to participate in the formation of a Grand Lodge, or at 
any subsequent election of Representatives, is without the requi- 
site number of Past Master Workmen in good standing, it may 
elect a number sufficient to fill the quota, from the Master Work- 
man degree members in good standing, who, by virtue of such 
election and service as Representatives, become Past Master 
Workmen. — Ib. y Sec. 4. 

OFFICERS, ELECTION OF, AND TERM OF OFFICE. 

113. The Representatives elected in accordance with the last 
two preceding sections [Nos. Ill and 112], together with such 
Past Master Workmen in good standing as may choose to attend, 
shall meet at such time and place as may be specified by the Su- 
preme Master Workman, and proceed to organize a Grand Lodge, 
by electing a Past Grand Master Workman, a Grand Master 
Workman, a Grand Foreman, a Grand Overseer, a Grand Re- 



23 

corder, a Grand Receiver, a Grand Guide, and a Grand Watch- 
man, who shall serve until the next regular election ; at which 
time and at each succeeding regular election thereafter, said offi- 
cers shall be elected to serve for the term of one year. — Laws Ap. 
to G. L. y Sec. 5. 

114. Note. — Grand Lodge officers hold their offices until their 
successors are elected, or appointed, and installed. 

115. A.t the institution of a Grand Lodge, three Trustees may 
be elected ; one to serve until the next regular election after the 
organization of the Grand Lodge; one to serve one year, and one 
to serve two years after said election, and as their terms expire, 
their successors shall be elected to serve three years. — i6., Sec. 6. 

EXTENSION OF TERM UNLAWFUL. 

116. It is not competent for a Grand Lodge to provide by reso- 
lution or otherwise, that its officers shall hold their offices to a 
period extending beyond its annual meeting next ensuing. — Pro. 
5th An. Sess.^p. 301. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. 

117. Past Master Workman degree members in good standing 
in the Order, although not Representatives from Subordinate 
Lodges, are eligible to office in the Grand Lodge of which they 
are members.— LawsAp. to G. L., Sec. 15. 

118. Note. — Past Master Workmen, being members of the 
Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction to which they belong, whether 
elected Representatives or not, are also eligible to appointment 
on any committee of the Grand Lodge. 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

119. The Supreme Master Workman shall install or cause to be 
installed the officers elect of a new Grand Lodge, and forward or 
cause to be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder, a notice of the 
organization, and a list of the officers. — Laws Ap. to 67. £., Sec. 8. 

120. Note. — The Senior Past Grand Master Workman, present, 
installs the officers of a Grand Lodge after its first session. Ir. 
case any officer elected should not be present at the time for in 
stall ation, the Grand Lodge can declare his office vacant, and pro 
ceed to fill the vacancy by a new election. 

POWERS, ETC. 

121. Grand Lodges shall have full control and authority over 
the Subordinate Lodges in their several jurisdictions (subject, 
however, to appeal to the Supreme Lodge), and must adopt for 
their government a uniform constitution and code of trials, pro- 
vided they shall not conflict with the Constitution of the Supreme 
Lodge, or the general laws adopted by the Supreme Lodge for 
the government of the Order. — Laws Ap. to G. L. } Sec. 9. 



24 

122. The Constitution prescribed for the government of Subor- 
dinate Lodges may be altered or amended in the same manner as 
that prescribed for the alteration or amendment of Grand Lodge 
Constitutions. — lb., Sec % 18. 

123. Grand Lodges shall enforce upon their Subordinate Lodges 
a strict adherence to the forms, ceremonies, charges, and regalia 
prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, and to the general laws for the 
government of the Order ; and they shall be responsible for any 
irregularity or violation they may sustain or allow. — lb., Sec. 10. 

124. Grand Lodges may, when such a course shall be deemed 
beneficial, permit their Subordinate Lodges to meet either once 
in two week9, or semi-monthly, instead of weekly, in which case 
the term of officers must be twelve months instead of six months; 
provided, that Grand Lodges may provide for a twelve months' 
term in all cases, if deemed expedient. — lb., Sec. 12. 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES MAY BE ISSUED BY GRAND LODGES. 

125. When a Grand Lodge has been formed in accordance with 
the provisions of the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and so 
long as it shall act under a charter granted by the Supreme Lodge, 
it shall be lawful for such Grand Lodge to issue beneficiary cer- 
tificates to members of the Subordinate Lodges in its jurisdic- 
tion, in like manner, and subject to the same laws, rules and regu- 
lations as those prescribed for and governing the Supreme Lodge; 
and the collection and disbursement of the Beneficiary Fund, in 
such jurisdiction, shall be in accordance with the rules and regu- 
lations set forth in Art VII of the Constitution of the Supreme 
Lodge. — Sup.L. Const., Art. VII, Sec. 1. 

GRAND LODGE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 

126. Grand Lodges may adopt Constitutions and By-Laws for 
their government, not inconsistent with the Constitution and 
General Laws of the Supreme Lodge, provided such Constitution 
shall be in force when approved by the Supreme Master Work- 
man, unless disapproved by the Supreme Lodge. After the in- 
stitution of a Grand Lodge and the adoption of a Constitution, 
no alteration or amendment shall be made to such Constitution, 
unless such alteration or amendment be proposed in writing, at a 
session of the Grand Lodge, at least three months previous to the 
annual session of said Grand Lodge, a copy of which shall be 
submitted to each Subordinate Lodge, and if adopted at the next 
annual session of the Grand Lodge by a vote of two-thirds of the 
entire number to which the members enrolled at such meeting 
shall be entitled, and approved as above, the same shall be in 
force, and not otherwise; provided, Grand Lodges may, by such 
vote of two-thirds, abrogate the foregoing provisions requiring 
the alteration or amendment to be proposed in writing at a ses- 
sion of the Grand Lodge at least three months previous to the 
annual session, and that a copy be submitted to each Subordinate 
Lodge. — IsiwsAp. to G.L., Sec. 17. 



25 

127. Note. — Alterations or amendments to Grand or Subordinate 
Lodge Constitutions, to make them conform to the constitution, 
laws or requirements of the Supreme Lodge, may be made by a 
majority vote of a Grand Lodge at any session; and it is the duty 
of Grand Lodges, in all cases, to make such alterations or amend- 
ments without delay. 

CONSTITUTION NOT TO BE BET ASIDE. 

128. There is no power or authority authorizing the alteration 
or amendment of Grand Lodge Constitutions, except the law of 
the Supreme Lodge and the Constitutions themselves. These 
rules must be conformed to. There is no dispossessing power in 
the Order, which can set them aside to meet any exigency or 
emergency. — Pro. 7th An. Seas. S. L. y p. 9. 

PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 

129. A Grand Lodge, except at its organization, has no right to 
elect a Past Grand Master Workman. — Pro. 6th An. Sess S. L., p. 
408. 

130. Grand Lodges not having a sufficient number of Past 
Grand Master Workmen, may, according to custom or usage, 
elect as Representatives to the Supreme Lodge those who have 
not filled the position of Grand Master Workman, and in such 
case the rank of Past Grand Master Workman is conferred by 
the Supreme Lodge. — lb. 

131. The Grand Master Workman occupies the position of Past 
Grand Master Workman upon passing out of office, and should 
a vacancy occur in the position of Past Grand Master Workman, 
by reason of the re election of the Grand Master Workman, or 
for any other cause, such vacancy should be filled by temporary 
appointment, not giving any of the rights or privileges of Past 
Grand Master Workman to the one appointed. — lb. 

132. A Grand Lodge has not the right to confer the honor of 
Past Grand Master Workman otherwise than by election to that 
position upon its formation, or an election to the position of 
Grand Master Workman, under the provisions of the constitu- 
tions and laws. — Pro 5th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 304. 

133. Note. — The rule in regard to Past Master Workmen, laid 
down in Section 19 of Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges, and the 
established usage in regard to Past officers generally, is applicable 
to Past Grand Master Workmen, namely, that an officer becomes 
entitled to the Past rank by regularly filling the position of pre- 
siding officer at the close of 'a term. A Grand Master Workman, 
regularly elected and installed, if he vacate or is removed from 
the office before the end of the term, is not entitled to the rank 
of Past Grand Master Workman, but the honor is to be conferred 
upon the one legally serving as Grand Master Workman at the 
end of the term. 



26 

134. Grand Recorders, who have served as such for two con- 
secutive years, shall be entitled to all the honors and prerogatives 
of Past Grand Master Workman, provided their respective Grand 
Lodges may have so determined by a two-thirds vote. — LawsAp. 
to Q.L.,Sec7. 

135. It is the sense of the Supreme Lodge, that hereafter the 
degree of Past Grand Master Workman cannot, and should not, 
be conferred upon any members of the Order other than Past 
Orand Master Workmen, or Representatives to the Supreme 
Lodge ; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to 
such officers as are entitled to the same, under our Constitution 
and the amendments thereto. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 122. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPREME LODGE. 

136. Three Representatives to the Supreme Lodge shall be 
elected at the time of institution of a Grand Lodge, in accord- 
ance with the Supreme Lodge Constitution, to serve until the 
next regular election ; at which time, and at each succeeding 
regular election thereafter, Representatives shall be elected to 
serve one year. Past Grand Master Workmen only are eligible 
to elections as Supreme Representatives. — Laws Ap. to G. L. y 
Sec. 7. 

APPOINTMENT IN CASE OF VACANCY. 

137. In case of a vacancy in the Representatives from a Grand 
Lodge, the Grand Master Workman thereof may appoint a quali- 
ified Past Grand Master Workman to serve until the vacancy may 
be filled by a new election ; provided, that in no case can a brother 
be appointed who is not in good standing in the Subordinate 
Lodge to which he belongs.— A, Sec. 20. 

138. Note. — The rule in the decision above (No. K50) will also 
apply to cases of vacancy. If there is no Past Grand Master 
Workman to fill the vacancy, a Past Master Workman may be 
appointed. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPREME LODGES ARE OFFICERS OF GRAND 

LODGES. 

139. Representatives to the Supreme Lodge are officers of the 
Grand Lodge from which they are sent, and are entitled to mile- 
age and per diem as other Grand Lodge officers while ai tending 
the meetings of their Grand Lodge.— Pro. tth An. Sess. S. L., p. 
216. 

GRAND MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OF. 

140. Note. — It is the duty of the Grand Master Workman, as 
the executive head of the Order in his jurisdiction, to enforce 
upon all officers and Subordinate Lodges a compliance with the 
constitutions, laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and 4 'a 
strict adherence to the forms, ceremonies ; charges and regalia 



27 

prescribed by the Supreme Lodge." It is his duty to preside at 
all sessions of the Grand Lodge, and exercise the usual functions 
of a presiding officer, as well as to perform such other duties as 
the Grand Lodge, by its constitution or otherwise, may assign to 
him. He discharges the executive functions of the Grand Lodge 
when the Lodge is not in session, and exercises a general super- 
vision over the Order in his jurisdiction, making a report of the 
state of the same, and of his acts and official decisions to the 
Grand Lodge. The particular duties assigned to the Grand Mas- 
ter Workman in each jurisdiction will be found defined in the 
Grand Lodge Constitution. 

OFFICE OF GRAND MASTER WORKMAN DOES NOT BECOME VACANT. 

141. A Grand Lodge at a called session cannot declare the office 
of tlie Grand Master Workman vacant. In fact the office does not 
become vacant. The office under the Constitution and Laws 
always exists, and by the same authority is -filled by the person 
elected to that position by the Grand Lodge, or by one whose 
official position enables or authorizes him by succession to per- 
form the duties of the office until an election shall be had. The 
election must take place at an annual meeting of the Grand 
Lodge. Any Grand Lodge officer may be impeached as an officer 
or an individual, and his place filled until the ensuing annual 
election either by succession or appointment, as provided in the 
Constitution, that is, by succession in cases so provided for, as 
that of Grand Master Workman, or by appointment, as in case 
of subordinate officers as to whom there is no provision for suc- 
cession. 

GRAND FOREMAN, DUTIES OF. 

142. Note. — It is the duty of the Grand Foreman to assist the 
Grand Master Workman, and in his absence to preside over the 
Grand Lodge. Iq case of the death, resignation, removal or dis- 
ability of the Grand Master Workman, the duties of the office 
devolve upon the Grand Foreman, who, by service until the end 
of the term, becomes entitled to the rank of Past Grand Master 
Workman. 

GRAND OVERSEER, DUTIES OF. 

143. Note. — The Grand Overseer's duty is to render the Grand 
Master Workman such assistance as may be required of him, and 
to perform such other duties as are enjoined by the laws, rules, 
and regulations of the Order. 

GRAND RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 

144. Note.— The duties of the Grand Recorder, in general are : 
To record the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, conduct its cor- 
respondence, have charge of its seal, books and papers, keep its 
records and registers, receive moneys and pay them over to the 
Receiver, draw orders for money when authorized, attest official 



28 

papers, issue Beneficiary Certificates, prepare Charters for Sub- 
ordinate Lodges, etc. The details of his duties are to be found 
in the Grand Lodge Constitutions. 

[For duties required specially of Grand Recorders of Grand 
Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions, and also of 
those of Grand Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge, see next two Chapters.] 

145. The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge shall, on or 
before the 15th day of each month, make report to the Supreme 
Recorder of the number of Beneficiary Certificates in his juris- 
diction in force on the first day of the month, together with the 
number issued, suspended and renewed since the date of the last 
report. He shall also transmit to the Supreme Recorder on or 
before the tenth day of March of each year, a detailed statement 
up to the first day of March, of the total amount of Bene- 
ficiary money received and paid out and to whom; also the total 
amount paid out for other benevolent purposes; also a detailed 
statement of the account between the Grand Lodge and the Su- 
preme Lodge of the general fund during the year. — Laws Ap. to 
G.L.,Sec.l6. 

LISTS OF EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

146. It shall be the duty of the Recorders of all Subordinate 
Lodges to send to the Supreme or Grand Recorders under whose 
jurisdiction they may be, with their monthly returns, the names 
of all brethren expelled from the Order for any cause whatever, 
and each Grand Recorder shall keep a register of said names and 
forward the same with his monthly statements to the Supreme 
Recorder, who shall keep a register of the said names, and send 
them with his monthly statement to all Grand Lodges and such 
Subordinate Lodges as are under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge, and the Grand Recorders shall send a list of 
said names to all the Subordinate Lodges under their respective 
jurisdictions, with their monthly statements, and the Recorder of 
each Subordinate Lodge shall, immediately upon the receipt of 
the same, enter said names in alphabetical order in a book pro- 
vided for that purpose. — Gen. Law 32. 

[The lists and registers above referred to are to include the 
names only of brethren expelled from the Order, not of those sus- 
pended from the Order for non-payment of assessments or dues.] 

Note. — Other duties of Grand Recorders in connection with 
Beneficiary Fund, Appeals, etc., will be found specified in chap- 
ters relating to such subjects. See also No. 159 for duties when 
Grand Lodge is formed and whilst it remains connected with Su- 
preme Lodge as to Beneficiary Fund. 

GRAND RECEIVER, DUTIES OP. 

147. Note — The Grand Receiver is the custodian of the moneys 
of the Grand Lodge. His duties in general are similar to those 
of the Supreme Receiver, modified by such provisions as the dif- 
ferent Grand Lodges may have made in their constitutions. 



29 

GRAND GUIDE AND GRAND WATCHMAN. 

148. Note. — The duties of these officers are such as are enjoined 
by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and as may be 
prescribed by the different Grand Lodges in conformity with the 
same. 

GRAND TRUSTEES, DUTIES OF. 

149. Note. — The Grand Trustees have generally the charge and 
supervision of the funds which the Grand Lodge may direct to 
be loaned or otherwise invested ; also of property of the Grand 
Lodge. Their duties are specifically regulated by each Grand 
Lodge in its constitution. 

SITTING PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OF. 

150. Note. — The duties of the acting Past Grand Master Work- 
man are not specifically set forth in any constitutional provision. 
By custom or usage his duties in the Grand Lodge are in general 
similar tothose of a Past Master Workman in a Subordinate 
Lodge, modified, of course, by the difference in the functions of 
the two bodies. 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 

151. A District Deputy Grand Master Workman is not an offi- 
cer of a Grand Lodge. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L., p. 148. 

152. Note. — Deputy Grand Master Workmen are subordinates or 
representatives of the Grand Master Workman, and report to him 
and not directly to the Grand Lodge. Their appointment gives- 
them no rights or privileges in the Grand Lodge, neither does it 
conflict with their serving as Representatives, if duly qualified 
and elected. The manner of their appointment, and the defining- 
of their jurisdictions and duties are regulated fiy the Constitu- 
tions and regulations of the different Grand Lodges. When their 
duties are limited to a district, they are styled District Deputy 
Grand Master Workmen. Lodge Deputies are also provided for 
by several Grand Lodges. There is no general law on the subject 
of Deputy Grand Master Workmen, and there is considerable 
variety in the provisions in regard to them in different Grand 
Lodge jurisdictions. In general, Deputies are representatives of 
the Grand Master Workman in the district assigned to them, and 
it is their duty to see that the work of the Order is perfoimed 
uniformly and the laws and regulations complied with ; to install, 
or cause to be installed, the officers of Subordinate Lodges ; to> 
receive the semi-annual reports and Grand Lodge dues; institute 
new Lodges, and have a general care aad supervision of the in- 
terests of the Order within their districts. 

FAILURE OF OFFICER TO FILE BOND. 

153. Aji officer of a Grand Lodge who has been installed be- 
fore filing the required bond, and who has been given a specified 
time in which to file the same, is to be regarded as having re- 



30 

signed his office if he afterwards declines to execute and file the 
bond within the specified time. A vacancy in the office is thus 
created which must be filled in the manner provided for in the 
Grand Lodge Constitution. — Pro. S. L., 7th An. Sess. y p. 62. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE. 

154. Note. — Sections 3, 4 and 5, of Laws Applicable to Grand 
Lodges, provide for the election of three Representatives from 
each Subordinate Lodge, when a Grand Lodge is to be formed. 
Grand Lodges, after their formation, provide ia their constitu- 
tions as to the number of Representatives each Subordinate Lodge 
shall be entitled to, and the time and manner of their election. 
None but Past Master Workmen are eligible to election as Repre- 
sentatives, unless the Lodge has not a sufficient number of Past 
Master Workmen, in which case any Master Workman degree 
member in good standing may be elected (see No.112 and by vir- 
tue of such election and service as a Representative, becomes 
entitled to the rank and honors of a Past Master Workman. No 
member is eligible to election as a Representative unless he be in 
good standing in his Subordinate Lodge. Should a Representa- 
tive, after his election, become out of good standing, and disquali- 
fied to vote or hold office in his Subordinate Lodge, he would 
thereby become also disqualified to vote or hold office in the 
Grand Lodge. 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES, SUM TO BE PAID FOR. 

155. Grand Lodges may reduce the sum to be paid for Bene- 
ficiary Certificate, to less than one dollar. — Sup. I. Const, Art 
VIII Sec. 3. 

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS. 

156. Grand Lodges have the right to transact their legislative 
business upon a representative basis, and may confer upon their 
elective officers the privilege of speaking and voting upon all 
questions that may arise.— Laws Ap. to 67. Z., Sec. 11. 

DISPENSATIONS. 

157. Note. — The power of a Grand Master Workman to grant 
dispensations for the conferring of more than one degree on the 
same person on the same evening is recognized in the Subordinate 
Lodge Constitutions in all jurisdictions, and by usage is also gen- 
erally exercised by Deputy Grand Master Workmen. The power 
to grant dispensations for other purposes is not generally defined 
and limited. The Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania and Iowa give the Grand Master Workman and his Depu- 
ties authority to grant dispensations " when they may deem it for 
the interest of the Order, and not in violation of any funda- 
mental law, or inconsistent with the usage of the Order. " This 
limitation of the right to grant dispensations seems to be one 
which is necessary to the preservation of the uniformity and sys- 



31 

tem which are requisite to maintain the stability of the Order. 
However, it is to be understood as a fixed rule of the Order that 
no dispensation can be granted to set aside or disregard any gen- 
eral law of the Order, nor a By-Law of a Subordinate Lodge. 

SEALS. 

158. The impressed seal of a Grand Lodge is the official seal of 
the Grand Recorder and of all financial matters of the Grand 
Lodge, and the electrotype seal is the official seal of the Grand 
Master Workman. — Pro. 1st An. Sess. S. L., p. 14. 

DUTIES OF SUPREME RECORDER WHEN NEW GRAND LODGE IS 
FORMED. 

159. Immediately upon the formation of a Grand Lodge, the 
Supreme Recorder shall make out and deliver to the Grand Re- 
corder a full register, by Lodges, of all Master Workman degree 
members under such Grand Lodge, showing the number in good 
standing, as well as those suspended, in each Subordinate Lodge. 
He shall transfer to the Grand Recorder the Medical Examiner's 
reports and the applications upon which Beneficiary Certificates 
were issued. He shall also make out a full record of the officers 
of each Subordinate Lodge, and the amount of Beneficiary Fund 
received and disbursed by each Subordinate Lodge prior to such 
date.— Sup. L. Const., Art. VII, Sec. 2. 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

160. Grand Lodges shall pay annually an amount equal to five 
cents for each member under their jurisdiction on the first day of 
January preceding each annual meeting. These payments shall 
be made to the Supreme Recorder on or before the first day of 
March each year. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 312. 

161. Grand Lodges instituted subsequent to January 1st, shall 
not be required to pay to the Supreme Lodge the per capita tax 
of five cents per member, provided the Subordinate Lodges under 
their jurisdiction shall have paid the semi-annual tax to the Su- 
preme Lodge due at that time.— Pro. S. L. y 1th An. Sess., p. 63. 

162. Grand Lodges are not required to pay per capita tax on 
Junior Workman and Senior Workman degree members. — Ibid. 

DELINQUENCY IN REVENUE ASSESSMENTS AND RETURNS. 

163. Any Grand Lodge failing to pay all assessments made 
upon it (for Supreme Lodge revenue), or to make returns as re- 
quired, shall forfeit all right to representation in the Supreme 
Lodge, and the names of its Representatives shall not be enrolled 
as members of the Supreme Lodge. If such assessments be not 
paid within thirty days after notice thereof, the Supreme Master 
Workman shall suspend the Charter of such delinquent Lodge, 
and the members thereof from all rights and privileges of the 



32 

Beneficiary Fund and of the Order. Said suspension may be re- 
moved at any time within three months, upon the payment of all 
assessments due, if in the opinion of the Supreme Master Work- 
man, the welfare of the Order may so require. — Sup. L. Const.. 
Art. IX. 

164. Note. — The effect of the suspension of a Grand Lodge 
under the above Article would be to suspend all Past Master 
Workmen in the jurisdiction from all rights and privileges of 
the Beneficiary Fund and the Order. 

SUSPENSION OF GRAND LODGE. 

165. When a Grand Lodge is suspended for any cause, the 
Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction shall, during such sus- 
pension, be under the control of the Supreme Lodge, subject to 
the laws governing Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jur- 
isdiction of the Supreme Lodge. — Gen. Law 35. 

CHARTER, REVOCATION OF. 

166. A Grand Lodge shall not be deprived of its Charter nor 
have its authority annulled or suspended (unless otherwise pro- 
vided in the Constitution and laws of the Supreme Lodge) ex- 
cept for violation of the constitutional enactments, rules and 
edicts of the Supreme Lodge, duly charged by two or more Rep- 
resentatives, and sustained by a vote of two-thirds of the Repre- 
sentatives present at an annual meeting of the Supreme Lodge. 
LawsAp. to G. L., Sec. 2. 

167. When the number of Subordinate Lodges in the jurisdic- 
tion of any Grand Lodge shall be reduced to five, the Charter of 
such Grand Lodge shall, upon the petition of a majority of said 
Lodges, be revoked, and they shall revert to the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge. —lb. y Sec. 13. 

RITUALS AND RITUALISTIC WORK. 

168. No Grand Lodge has the power or authority to refuse or 
neglect to comply with the action and requirements of the Su- 
preme Lodge as to the Rituals of the Order. The Supreme Lodge 
has absolute control over all the secret and ritualistic work of the 
Order.— Pro. Qth An. Sess. S. L.,pp. 362, 367. 

COLOR. 

169. The distinguishing color of the Grand Lodge is Blue. — Pro. 
2d An. Sess.S.L. y p.46. 

MEETINGS, TIME OF. 

170. — Pennsylvania — Annual session, second Tuesday in Jan- 
uary. 
New York — Annual session, first Tuesday in February. 
Ohio — Annual session, fourth Tuesday in January. 
Indiana — Annual session, third Tuesday in February. 



33 

Illinois — Animal session, first Tuesday in February. 

Missouri — Annual session, second Tuesday in January. 

Michigan — Annual session, first Tuesday in February, at De- 
troit 

Iowa— Annual session, first Tuesday in February. 

Tennessee — Annual session, Thursday after the first Monday in 
April, at Nashville. 

Wisconsin — Annual session, first Wednesday in February. 

Kentucky — Annual session, third Tuesday in January. 

California — Annual session, third Tuesday in January; semi- 
annual session, third Tuesday in July. 

Minnesota — Annual session, first Tuesday in February. 

Georgia — Annual session, 

Kansas — Annual session, first Tuesday in February. 

Ontario — Annual session, third Tuesday in February. 

Massachusetts — Annual session, fourth Tuesday in February. 



CHAPTER III. 

GRAND LODGES UNDER THE IMMEDIATE JURISDICTION OF THE 
SUPREME LODGE. 

Note. — This Chapter contains such provisions as are applicable 
only to Grand Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge and not to others. All that is contained in the 
preceding Chapter is also applicable to such Grand Lodges. 

GRAND RECORDER, DUTIES OP. 

171. The Grand Recorder shall make record of all matters re- 
ceived from the Supreme Recorder (see No. 159) in the books of 
the Grand Lodge ; keeping such books in like manner and form 
as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, and he shall, in like man- 
ner thereafter, keep a full record of all Beneficiary Certificates 
issued, and from the monthly statements of each Subordinate 
Lodge keep a full record of the status of all Master Workman 
degree members in his jurisdiction. He shall, upon the receipt 
of official notice of the death of any Master Workman degree 
member in good standing, immediately forward to the Supreme 
Recorder the notice thereof, attested by the seal of the Grand 
Lodge, and accompanied by the application and Medical Ex- 
aminer's report of the deceased. He shall, upon official notice 
from the Supreme Recorder ordering assessments for the Bene- 
ficiary Fund, immediately proceed to assess on and collect from 
all Master Workman degree members in his jurisdiction in like 
manner and form, and subject to the same laws, rules and regu- 
lations, as prescribed for and governing the assessing and collect- 



34 

ing the Beneficiary Fund from Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. He shall make 
report not later than the 15th of each month, to the Supreme Re- 
corder, of all moneys received for the Beneficiary Fund, giving 
the name, number, location, and the amount paid by each Subor- 
dinate Lodge in his jurisdiction, and he shall forward with said 
monthly report a draft, payable to the order of the Supreme Re- 
ceiver, for the amount so shown by the statement. He shall also 
make report to the Supreme Recorder, on the 15th day of each 
month, of all Subordinate Lodges wherein the members are sus- 
pended under the provisions of Sec. 8 of Beneficiary Article 
governing Subordinate Lodges. — Const, 8. L., Art. VII, Sec. 8. 

172. Upon receiving official notice from the Supreme Recorder, 
ordering assessments for the Beneficiary Fund, the Grand Re- 
corder shall immediately notify each Subordinate Lodge in his 
jurisdiction. Any Subordinate Lodge failing or declining to 
make returns (as required by the Beneficiary Article) so as to in- 
sure their receipt by the Grand Recorder during the first week of 
each month, shall be again notified, and shoukTsuch returns fail 
to be made within one week from the date of said second notice, 
all certificates under the jurisdiction of said Lodge shall stand 
suspended until said returns are made. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VII, 
Sec. 3; Art. VIII, Sec. 8. 

PAYMENT OP DEATH LOSSES. 

173. The Supreme Recorder shall adjust all losses, and in set- 
tlement thereof shall draw an order on the Supreme Receiver, 
payable to the party entitled, and forward the same to the Re- 
corder of the Subordinate Lodie of which the deceased was a 
member. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VII, Sec. 4. 

BENEFIdARY CERTIFICATES, ETC. 

Note. — The issuing of Beneficiary Certificates by Grand Lodges 
is "subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as those pre- 
scribed for and governing the Supreme Lodge." — Sup. L. Const, 
Art VII, Sec. 1. These will be found in Chapters VI, VII and 
VIII. 



CHAPTER IV. 

GRAND LODGES AS SEPARATE BENEFICIARY JURISDICTIONS. 
SEPARATION. 

174. When a Grand Lodge shall have under its jurisdiction two 
thousand Master Workman degree members in good standing, 
such Grand Lodge may petition the Supreme Lodge to be set 
apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction, with power to collect 



r 



35 

and disburse, within itself, the Beneficiary Fund, subject to and 
in accordance with the general laws, rules and regulations of the 
Supreme Lodge. Such petition so made, may be granted by a 
majority vote of the Supreme Lodge at any annual meeting; pro- 
vider! that at the date of granting such petition the combined num- 
ber of Master Workman degree members in good standing, still 
remaining under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, shall not 
be less than three thousand; and provided, further, that such 
Grand Lodge so petitioning shall fully comply with the specified 
conditions of the Supreme Lodge. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VI 

[The conditions referred to in the above Section will be found 
in Nos. 176, 177, 178 and 182.] 

175. The use of the term "separate jurisdiction" may convey 
an erroneous impression if the Article of the Constitution in which 
it is used is not somewhat carefully considered. The Order is a 
unit — no part of it is really separate from any other part. The 
same principles and general laws, rules and regulations are in 
force throughout the entire Order. The only separation which 
takes place is in the Beneficiary Fund, which, in a Grand Lodge, 
" set apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction," is collected and 
disbursed in such jurisdiction, and is applied only to the death 
losses occurring therein; but this collection and disbursement is 
subject to, and is to be made "in accordance with the general 
laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge (see Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VI, 1st paragraph). Grand Lodges under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, and those set apart as 
a separate beneficiary jurisdiction, are therefore governed by the 
same general laws, and are subject to the same rules, regulations 
and restrictions, except that in one case the Beneficiary Fund is 
forwarded to the Supreme Recorder and is applied to the pay- 
ment of death losses occurring in the membership under the im- 
mediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, and in the other it is 
retained and disbursed in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lndge. 
The unity of the Order is further shown in the fact that if the 
membership under a Grand Lodge set apart as a separate benefi- 
ciary jurisdiction becomes reduced to less than 2,000, it reverts 
back to the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, which 
latter body becomes responsible for the payment of all death 
losses occurring thereafter in the membership under the jurisdic- 
tion of such Grand Lodge. 

BENEFICIARY FUND, MANAGEMENT OF. 

176. Each Grand Lodge get apart as a beneficiary jurisdiction 
shall manage within itself the beneficiary department, assessing, 
collecting aad disbursing the Beneficiary Fund, in accordance 
with and governed by the general laws and usages prescribed by 
the Supreme Lodge to Subordinate Lodges under its immediate 
jurisdiction, and no alteration or amendment to such laws or 
usages shall be made except by the Supreme Lodge. — Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VI, No. 3. 



36 

[The "laws and usages" referred to in the above Section will 
be found in detail in Chapters VI, VII and VIII.] 

ASSESSMENTS ON DEATHS OCCURRING PREVIOUS TO DATE OP 
SEPARATION. 

177. A Grand Lodge set apart as a separate beneficiary juris- 
diction shall be responsible for and shall pay (to the Supreme Re- 
corder) all assessment of the Beneficiary Fund on deaths occur- 
ring on and before the date of separation; and all losses occur- 
ring in the jurisdiction of said Grand Lodge up to and including 
said date, shall be paid by the Supreme Lodge. — Sup. L. Const., 
Art. VI, No. 1. 

SURPLUS MONEYS, GRAND LODGE NOT ENTITLED TO. 

178. A Grand Lodge set apart as a separate beneficiary juris- 
diction shall not receive or be entitled to any surplus moneys 
that may be in the Beneficiary Fund of the Supreme Lodge after 
settlement has been made of losses occurring prior to the date of 
separation. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VI, No. 2. 

GRAND RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 

179. Note. —Paragraph No. 3, of Article VI, of the Supreme 
Lodge Constitution (see No. 174) provides that in Grand Lodges set 
apart as separate beaeficiary jurisdictions, the assessing, collect- 
ing and disbursing of the Beneficiary Fund shall be "in accord- 
ance with and governed by the general laws and usages prescribed 
by the Supreme Lodge to Subordinate Lodges under its immedi- 
ate jurisdiction." The duties of the Grand Recorder and Grand 
Receiver of such Grand Lodges, in connection with the Benefic- 
iary Fund, are therefore similar to those prescribed for the Su- 
preme Recorder and Supreme Receiver in regard to this subject, 
for which see the various provisions relating to the same in the 
different Chapters. 

180. No order shall be made by the Grand Recorder upon the 
Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate Lodges until there is less 
than two thousand dollars in the Beneficiary Fund in the Grand 
Lodge, nor shall any such order be made except with the approval 
of the Grand Lodge Finance Committee. — Sup. L. Const., Art. 
VIII, Sec. 17; Art. VI, Sec. 1. 

181. The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge set apart as a 
separate beneficiary jurisdiction, shall make report in gross to the 
Supreme Recorder each month of beneficiary moneys received 
and disbursed in his jurisdiction, and the Supreme Recorder shall 
make record of the same in the books of the Supreme Lodge.— 
Sup. L. Const, Art. VI, No. 4. 

GRAND RECETVER, DUTIES OF. 

[See No. 179.] 



37 

BENEFICARY FUND, INCREASE OF. 

182. Each Grand Lodge, set apart as a separate beneficiary juris- 
diction, may enact laws and regulations providing for the creating 
and disbursing of an increase of the Beneficiary Fund; provided, 
such increase shall form a separate and distinct fund, and shall 
in no manner affect the Beneficiary Fund as it now exists; and 
provided further, that such laws and regulations shall be submit- 
ted to and receive the approval of the Supreme Lodge. — Sup. L. 
Const, Art. VI, No. 6. 

183. Note. — As any fund created by a Grand Lodge under the 
power granted in the above section would be " separate and dis- 
tinct " from the Beneficiary Fund provided for in the general 
laws of the Order, the Supreme Lodge would not incur any lia- 
bility under the certificates issued for such increase of fund. The 
contract would be solely between the Grand Lodge and the mem- 
bers under it. In the event of the membership under the Grand 
Lodge becoming reduced to less than 2,000, and reverting to the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, the latter body 
would not be responsible for the payment of such certificates, as 
it is for those issued under the general laws of the Order. 

SINKING OF RELIEF FUND. 

184. Grand Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdic- 
tions may provide for a sinking or relief fund, in such manner as 
they may deem proper; but such sinking or relief fund shall not 
in any of its provisions conflict with or delay the payment of the 
benefit due on the Beneficiary Certificate of any deceased mem- 
ber. — Sup. L. Const, Art. VI, Sec. 7. 

REDUCTION OF MEMBERSHIP OF LESS THAN 2,000. 

185. Should any Grand Lodge set apart as a separate jurisdic- 
tion be, from any cause, reduced to less than 2,000 members, 
it shall immediately come under the control of the Supreme 
Lodge, and the members in said jurisdiction shall have the same 
privilege and benefits, and be subject to the same duties and lia- 
bilities to the Supreme Lodge as if said Grand Lodge had never 
been set apart as a separate jurisdiction for the collection and 
disbursement of the Beneficiary Fund ; and said Grand Lodge 
shall collect, pay over and disburse all moneys in the same man- 
ner as required before it was set apart as a separate jurisdiction, 
or as the law requires for Grand Lodges that have never been set 
apart as a separate jurisdiction. — Sup. L. Const, Art VI. No. 5. 

186. Note. — In carrying into effect the above constitutional pro- 
vision, in the case of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, it was decided, 
at a conference of the Supreme Master Workman and other Su 
preme Lodge officers with the officers of the Grand Lodge, that 
the date at which the membership under the jurisdiction of 
the Grand Lodge was reduced to less than 2,000, should be 
taken as the date at which the Grand Lodge ceased to exist as a 



38 

separate beneficiary jurisdiction; that all death losses occurring 
after such date should be assumed by the Supreme Lodge, and 
that the membership in Ohio would be liable to assessments on 
them in connection with the other membership under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. In regard to the death 
losses which occurred previous to that date, and which remained 
unsettled, it was decided that the membership in Ohio as a sepa- 
rate jurisdiction, was responsible to the amount of one dollar 
for each member on each death, which amount the Grand Lodge 
should assess and collect in the same manner and under the same 
rules and regulations as before the change, and that any deficiency 
in the full amount of $2,000 on each death loss should be assumed 
and met by the Supreme Lodge. It was held by the Supreme 
Master Workman, in this case, that as all beneficiary certificates, 
whether issued by separate jurisdiction or directly by the Su- 
preme Lodge, are issued by authority of the Supreme Lodge (Sup. 
L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 4) ; and that no member can lawfully 
be required to pay more than one dollar on any one death loss; 
therefore, any deficiency in the full amount of $2,000, caused by 
a lack of membership in a separate jurisdiction, must be assumed 
and paid by the Supreme Lodge. 



CHAPTER V. 

OUTLINE OF THE BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 

Note. — The following summary of the Beneficiary System of 
the Order is given for the purpose of presenting its principal 
features in a connected form, so that its general^ plan may be 
more clearly seen. The laws, rules and regulations from which 
this summary is made up will be found in detail in the following 
Chapters. 

PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM. 

The purpose of the Beneficiary System of the Order is to secure 
the sum of $2,000 to each member's family, or to such person or 
persons as he may choose to designate — such amount to be paya- 
ble at his death. The fund from which these payments are made, 
is raised, as needed, by assessments of one dollar each upon the 
members. The steps by which this system is carried out, are in 
general as follows : 

APPLICATION FOR BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

Immediately after the Junior Workman degree has been con- 
ferred upon an applicant, he makes application for the two suc- 
ceeding degrees, and at the same time signs the application for 



39 

Beneficiary Certificate. This is required, in order that the appli- 
cation may be forwarded to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, and 
the Beneficiary Certificate received before the Master Workman 
degree is conferred on the brother. 

FORWARDING APPLICATION, ETC. 

The Recorder immediately forwards the application, with the 
certificate fee, to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the case 
may be, and the Beneficiary Certificate is issued and returned to 
the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge in time for delivery to 
the brother when he receives the third degree. 

DELIVERY OP CERTIFICATE TO MEMBER. 

When the Master Workman degree is to be conferred upon an 
applicant, his Beneficiary Certificate is countersigned by the Mas- 
ter Workman and Recorder, and attested by the seal of the 
Lodge. The Recorder also enters a record of it in proper form 
in the Beneficiary Certificate Register Book. It is then ready for 
delivery to the brother, and is handed to him at the close of the 
degree ceremony. 

NOTICE OF DEATH. 

Upon the death of a brother lawfully entitled to participate in 
the Beneficiary Fund, the Subordinate Lodge of which he was 
a member sends notice (through its Recorder) in the prescribed 
form (Form No. 5) to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the case 
may be. 

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT. 

When a death occurs, if the amount of the Beneficiary Fund 
on hand in the Supreme Lodge or in any Grand Lodge set apart 
as a separate jurisdiction, will meet the payment of the required 
amount of $2,000, no assessment is made, but if the amount on 
hand is less thau $2,000, then notice of an assessment is sent to 
each Subordinate Lodge in such jurisdiction, on the first day of 
the following month. 

FORWARDING FUND FROM SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

Upon receipt of a notice of assessment, each Subordinate 
Lodge forwards to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, the amount 
of the Beneficiary Fund on hand in the Lodge, the same being 
one dollar for each member of the Lodge whose certificate has 
not been held suspended, and such sums as have been received on 
certificates which have been renewed. The amount is sent by the 
Receiver, by a draft payable to the order of the Supreme or Grand 
Receiver, or in such other manner as the Supreme or Grand Lodge 
may direct. A record of the amount forwarded is to be entered 
on the minutes of the Subordinate L- dge. 

NOTICE TO MEMBERS. 

When the Lodges are notified of an assessment, written notices 
are sent out by the Financier, not later than the eighth day of the 
month, to each member of the Lodge. 



40 

TIME OF PAYMENT. 

Each member is required to pay his assessment or assessments 
on or before the 28th day of the month, and on failure to do so 
his certificate stands suspended. 

TWO OR MORE ASSESSMENTS AT SAME TIME. 

If two or more assessments are called for at the same time, the 
amount of such assessments must be paid by each member within 
the same time, and subject to the same penalty, as in the case of 
a single assessment. The Receiver, as soon as the notice of assess- 
ment is received, forwards the Beneficiary Fund on hand, as 
above stated, which pays one assessment. On or before the first 
day of the following month (the collections having been made in 
meantime) he forwards the amount due from the Lodge on each 
additional assessment. 

AMOUNT OF ONE ASSESSMENT ON HAND IN SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

When notice of an assessment or assessments is received, the 
Lodge forwards, as above stated, the amount of the Beneficiary 
Fund it has on hand. It then collects from each member, by the 
28th of the month, one dollar on each assessment notice received 
by the Lodge If but one assessment has been made, this replaces 
the Beneficiary Fund, ready for the next notice. If more than 
one assessment has been made, the amount of each additional 
assessment is also forwarded on or before the .first of the next 
month, leaving one dollar for each valid certificate still on hand. 
Thus the Lodge begins each month with its obligations fully dis- 
charged, and the proper amount on hand to meet the next call. 

FAILURE OF SUBORDINATE LODGE TO FORWARD BENEFICIARY 

FUND. 

If any Subordinate Lodge fails to forward its Beneficiary Fund, 
so that the same may reach the Grand or Supreme Recorder during 
the first week of the month for which the notice was issued, it is 
again notified, and if the fund is not forwarded within one week 
from the date of such second notice, all certificates under the 
jurisdiction of the delinquent Lodge stand suspended. 

SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATES. 

If any member fails to pay his assessment or assessments on or 
before the 28th day of the month, his certificate is held suspended, 
and until the suspension is removed he forfeits all right to partici- 
pation in the Beneficiary Fund. 

RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE. 

At any time within three months from the suspension of a cer- 
tificate for non-payment of assessments, the same may be renewed, 
or restored to validity, by payment of all assessments due on the 
same. If not so renewed within three months, then the following 
conditions must be complied with to obtain a renewal within six 



41 

months: 1. The member in arrears must be examined by the 
Medical Examiner of the Lodge, and be recommended by him for 
membership. 2. He must pay all the assessments for which he 
would have been liable had he remained a member in good stand- 
ing. 3. The consent of the Lodge by a majority vote must be 
obtained. 

ANNULLING OF CERTIFICATE AND SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 

The foregoing statements, it will be observed, refer to the sus- 
pension of a certificate^ subject to renewal within a limited time. 
If the conditions are not complied with and a renewal obtained 
within six months, then the certificate is annulled, and the delin- 
quent member suspended from all the rights, benefits and privileges 
of the Order, He is virtually out of the Order, but can be rein- 
stated in it and have his certificate renewed by the consent of the 
Lodge, upon his complying with the conditions enumerated below. 

REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBER AND RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE. 

A member suspended from the Order for non-payment of dues 
or arrearages of Beneficiary Assessments, can only be reinstated 
in the following manner : 1. He must pay the amount he was in 
arrears at the date of his suspension from the Order, and also the 
sum of ten dollars, to be appropriated to the library fund or to 
the general fund of the Lodge. 2. He must make application in 
the same manner and form as that prescribed for admission to 
membership, and be elected in a similar manner, but he is not 
required to pay any initiation or degree fees 3. If his applica- 
tion is approved, he must pay into the Beneficiary Fund of the 
Lodge the sum of one dollar. Upon compliance with these con- 
ditions, his Beneficiary Certificate will be renewed. 

SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION. 

A member suspended or expelled from the Order, for any cause 
whatever, forfeits all claims to the Beneficiary Fund. 

CHANGE OF DIRECTION AS TO PAYMENT. 

^ Any member holding a Beneficiary Certificate, desiring, at any 
time, to make a new direction as to its payment, may do so in 
writing on the back of his certificate, in the form prescribed (see 
Form No. 6), attested by the Recorder, with the seal of the Lodge 
attached, and by paying to the Grand or Supreme Lodge the sum 
of fifty cents. 



42 

CHAPTER VI. 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES. 
WHENCE ISSUED. 

187. The Supreme Lodge shall issue, or cause to be issued, all 
certificates of the Beneficiary Fund. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, 
Sec. 4. 

188. Note. — The Supreme Lodge issues Beneficiary Certificates 
directly to all Master Workman degree members of Subordinate 
Lodges working under its immediate jurisdiction. Certificates 
to members of Subordinate Lodges working under Grand Lodges 
are (by authority derived from the Supreme Lodge) issued by the 
Grand Lodges. — See Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 4 ; Art. VI, 
No. 3 ; Art. VII, Sec. 1. 

FORM. 

189. Beneficiary Certificates must be substantially in the form 
laid down by the Supreme Lodge. (See Form No. 4.) — Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 4. 

AMOUNT OF CERTIFICATE. 

190. Upon the death of a Master Workman degree member in 
good standing, of a Subordinate Lodge of the Order, under the 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, such person or persons as said member may have 
directed, while living, shall be entitled to receive of the Beneficiary 
Fund of the Order, the sum of two thousand dollars ; provided, 
said member shall have complied in all particulars with all the 
laws, regulations and requirements of the Order. — Sup. L. Const., 
Art VIII, Sec. 1. 

191. Note. — The Beneficiary Certificate issued to each member of 
the Order on his receiving the Master Workman degree, is in all 
cases in the sum of two thousand dollars. Grand Lodges set 
apart as separate jurisdictions may, with the approval of the Su- 
preme Lodge, provide for an increase of the Beneficiary Fund, 
but such increase is to form a separate and distinct fund, and 
would not change the amount of the regular Beneficiary Certifi- 
cate. (See Nos. 182 and 183.) 

ALL MEMBERS REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT CERTIFICATES. 

192. All members are required to take out Beneficiary Certifi- 
cates ; the law and ritualistic work both require it. — Pro. 6th An. 
Sess. S. L., p. 345. 

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE. 

193. Each member, upon receiving the Junior Workman degree, 
and applying for the Master Workman degree, shall make appli- 
cation for Beneficiary Certificate, substantially in the form re- 
quired by the Supreme Lodge, in which application he shall agree 



43 

that compliance on his part with all the laws, regulations and 
conditions of the Order is the express condition upon which he is 
to be entitled to participate in the Beneficiary Fund; also that 
his answers made to the Medical Examiner are true, and that the 
certificate is to be of no binding force until he has taken the 
Master Workman degree. (See Form No. 3.) — Sup. L. Const, 
Art VIII, Sec. 2. 

194. Note. — Immediately after the initiatory or Junior Work- 
man degree has been conferred upon a person becoming a mem- 
ber of the Order, he is conducted to the Recorder's desk and 
makes application for the two succeeding degrees. At the same 
time he also signs an application for his Beneficiary Certificate. 
(Form No. 3.) The blank form of this application is printed on 
the back of the Medical Examiner's report. In it the applicant 
also names the person or persons to whom the amount guaran- 
teed by the certificate is to be paid at his death. If more than 
one person is named, the amount to be paid to each should be 
specifically stated, if practicable. This application is attested by 
the signature of the Recorder and the seal of the Lodge. At the 
same time the applicant pays to the Financier two dollars, one 
dollar of which goes into the Beneficiary Fund, and one dollar 
(as a certificate fee) into the General Fund of the Grand or Su- 
preme Lodge. Grand Lodges have the right to reduce the amount 
of this fee, or to abolish it. 

FORWARDING APPLICATION. 

195. The Medical Examiner's report and the application for 
certificate shall be forwarded by the Recorder of the Subordinate 
Lodge to the Supreme or Grand Recorder, together with the cer- 
tificate fee. — Sup.L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 3. 

IRREGULARITY IN APPLICATION, DUTY OF GRAND RECORDER. 

196. It is the duty of the Grand Recorder, should there exist 
any irregularity in the Medical Examiner's Certificate, or the 
application for Beneficiary Certificate, or any evidence in his 
office affecting the risk, to refer the same back to the Lodge, re- 
questing examination or correction of the same. 

CERTIFICATE FEE. 

197. In Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, each applicant, upon signing the applica- 
tion for Beneficiary Certificate, shall pay to the Financier the 
sum of two dollars, one dollar of which shall be placed in the 
Beneficiary Fund ; the remaining one dollar to be forwarded by 
the Recorder to the Supreme Recorder (the same to be placed by 
him in the Supreme Lodge General Fund.)— See Sup. L. Const., 
Art. VIII Sec. 3. 

198. In Subordinate Lodges working uudcr a Grand Lodge, the 
Financier places one dollar of the amount received from the ap- 
plicant in the Beneficiary Fund, and hands the remainder to the 



Recorder, to be forwarded by bim to the Grand Recorder, to be 
placed in the Grand Lodge General Fund. — Sup. L. Const.. Art. 
VI, No. 3; Art. VIII, Sec. 3. 

199. Grand Lodges may reduce the sum to be paid for the 
Beneficiary Certificate — Sup. L. Const. , Art. VIII, Sec. 3. 

ISSUE AND DELIVERY OP CERTIFICATE. 

200. Upon application for a Beneficiary Certificate, made in 
compliance with the laws of the Order, and forwarded from a 
Subordinate Lodge working under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge, the Supreme Recorder shall immediately is- 
sue and forward the certificate to ttie Subordinate Lodge, where 
it shall be countersigned by the Master Workman, with the seal 
of the Subordinate Lodge attached, attested by the Recorder, 
and when the applicant has received the Master Workman de- 
gree, the certificate shall be delivered to him, a record be made of 
the same in the books of the Lodge, and he shall, from such 
date, be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Order, in 
accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme 
Lodge ; provided, that in case the Beneficiary Certificate is not 
present at the time the applicant receives the Master Workman 
degree, he shall be entitled to participate in the Beneficiary Fund 
until such time as said certificate shall be received by the Lodge, 
the same as though said certificate had been delivered at the time 
said degree was received.— Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 5. 

201. Note. — Lodges working under a Grand Lodge forward ap- 
plications for Beneficiary Certificates to the Grand Recorder, 
whose duty it is to issue and forward the certificate. All the 
other provisions of the foregoing section apply to such certifi- 
cates so issued.— See Sup. L. Const., Art. VI, No. 3 ; Art. VII, 
Sec. 1; Art. VIII, Sec. 3. 

ISSUE OP CERTIFICATES TO MEMBERS OF NEW LODGE. 

202. Note.— Tn the case of persons admitted into the Order at 
the institution of a new Lodge, application for Beneficiary Cer- 
tificate is made in the same manner as in old Lodges, and the ap 
plication is attested by the instituting officer, who forwards the 
application with the Medical Examiner's report and the certifi- 
cate fee, to the Supreme or Grand Recorder. The third degree is 
conferred in such cases, without the certificate being present. 
The certificates are made out and sent, as soon as practicable, K) 
the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, and after being counter- 
signed and attested as required in other cases, are then delivered 
to the brothers entitled to receive them. 



EXCHANGE OF OLD FOR NEW CERTIFICATE. 

203. All members of the Master Workman degree in good 
standing when the Beneficiary Fund Law adopted at the Fifth 
Annual" Session of the Supreme Lodge, went into effect, are en- 



45 

titled, without payment, to receive a Beneficiary Certificate, upon 
signing the application for such certificate, as provided by the 
law, and returning any certificate that may have been issued to 
him at any previous time. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 315. 

204 Note. — Under the present constitution all Beneficiary Cer- 
tificates are issued by tue Supreme or a Grand Lodge. In order 
to promote uniformity and protect the interests of the Order, as 
well as the rights of each member, all certificates issued by Sub- 
ordinate Lodges under the old constitution, should be immedi- 
ately returned as above provided for, and new certificates received 
under the present law. 

CHANGE OF DIRECTION AS TO PAYMENT. 

205. Any member holding a Beneficiary Certificate, desiring at 
any time to make a new direction as to its payment, may do so 
by authorizing such change in writing on the back of his certifi- 
cate in the form prescribed (see Form No. 6), attested by the Re- 
corder, with the seal of the Lodge attached, and by the payment 
to the Supreme or Grand Lodge of the sum of fifty cents ; but 
no change of direction shall be valid or have any binding force 
or effect until said change shall have been reported to the Su- 
preme or Grand Recorder, the old certificate, if practicable, filed 
with him and a new Beneficiary Certificate issued thereon ; and 
the said new Beneficiary Certificate shall be numbered the same 
as the old certificate. — Sup. L. Coast. , Art. VIII, Sec. 18. 

206. A member of a Lodge changed the direction as to the pay- 
ment of his Beneficiary Certificate, or rather added to it, by di- 
recting that the Lodge should pay his honest debts out of the 
$2,000, and the balance as he had before directed. An adminis- 
trator had been appointed on the estate of the deceased. The 
Supreme Recorder was directed to make the warrant for the 
$2,000 payable to the administrator. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., pp. 
359, 388. 

207. If a brother had directed that the $2,000 should be paid 
to his minor heirs, and afterwards changes the direction so as to 
make the benefit payable to other parties, the minor heirs have 
then no claim upon the same, and cannot maintain a suit against 
the Supreme Lodge for it. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L., p. 396. 

208. A brother can change the direction as to payment of his 
Beneficiary Certificate, so as to make it payable to parties not re- 
lated to his family. 

SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATE FOR DELINQUENCY OF MEMBER. 

209. Not later than the 28th day of the month in which no- 
tice of assessment was given, any member holding a certificate 
of the beneficiary Fund, having' failed or neglected to pay said 
assessment into the Beneficiary Fund in his Subordinate Lodge, 



46 

shall forfeit all his rights under said certificate.— Sup, L. Const, 
Art. Vlll Sec. 8. 
(Subject to renewal, see Nos. 214, 215, 216.) 

RECORD OF SUSPENSION. 

210. On the third (weekly) meeting night following the issuing 
of assessment notices, and on or before the 28th day of the month, 
the Financier shall furnish the Lodge with the names of the 
members who are in arrears on Beneficiary Assessments, and 
the Recorder shall place the same on the minutes of the Lodge, 
and mark such certificates as suspended on the Certificate Register 
Book, affixing the date thereto. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

211. Note. — The suspension above provided for, it will be ob- 
served, is the suspension of a Beneficiary Certificate, or more cor- 
rectly, the suspension of all rights or benefits under such certifi- 
cate. It does not suspend a brother from the Order. The distinc- 
tion between these two kinds of suspension will be found fully 
set forth in the Preliminary Note to Chapter IX. 

SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATES FOR DELINQUENCY OF LODGE. 

212. Any Subordinate Lodge notified of a death assessment and 
failing or declining to make returns of its Beneficiary Fund so as 
to insure their receipt by the Supreme Recorder (or Grand Re- 
corder, as the case may be) during the first week of the month, 
shall again be notified by the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, and 
should such returns fail to be made within one week from the 
date of said second notice, all certificates under the jurisdiction 
of said Lodge shall stand suspended until said returns are made. 
Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII Sec. 8. 

213. Note. — When the first notice is received it is the duty of 
the Receiver to forward the Beneficiary Fund immediately. If 
this duty has not been performed, and the Lodge receives a sec- 
ond notice, it is then the duty of all officers and members to see 
that the law is complied with, otherwise their certificates are sus- 
pended, the Lodge being held responsible for the delinquency of 
its officers. In case notice is received of two or more assessments 
at the same time, only the amount of the Beneficiary Fund on 
hand is required to be forwarded immediately. The additional 
assessments are to be remitted on or before the first of the next 
month, and the penalty for failure to remit them does not attach 
until then. 

RENEWAL OF BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE WITHIN THREE MONTHS. 

214. Any member who renders void his certificate by reason of 
non-payment of assessments thereon, may renew the same at any 
time within a period of three months from the date of the for- 
feiture thereof; provided he shall pay all assessments that have 
been made during that time. — Sup. L. Const., Art VIII, Sec. 10. 



47 

215. Note. — A brother whose certificate is held suspended for 
non-payment of assessments, but who is not yet three months 
in arrears, has forfeited no rights as a member of the Order except 
the right to participate in the Beneficiary Fund. This he regains 
at any time within the three months, by simply paying up all 
assessments due. When he pays his arrearages, it is the duty of 
the Financier to report the same to the Lodge, and the Master 
Workman should thereupon declare the brother's certificate rein- 
stated. A record must be entered upon the minutes, and the 
proper entry made in the Beneficiary Certificate Register Book. 

RENEWAL NOT TO TAKE EFFECT UNTIL RECORD IS MADE. 

216. A Beneficiary Certificate which has been held suspended 
by reason of non-payment of assessments thereon, cannot be re- 
newed by any Subordinate Lodge and considered in force until 
such time as the Financier shall have made report to the Lodge 
of the payment of all arrearages on such certificate, and the 
amount of arrearages are paid into the Beneficiary Fund of the 
Lodge, and a record of the same shall have been fully made in 
the books of the Lodge. ' 

RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE WITHIN SIX MONTHS. 

217. Any member in arrears on beneficiary assessments for a 
term exceeding three months, must again be examined by the 
Medical Examiner of the Lodge, whose report shall be in manner 
and form prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, and shall recommend 
the applicant for membership. He shall pay all assessments for 
which he would have been liable had he remained a member in 
good standing. He may be reinstated to membership, and his 
Beneficiary Certificate be renewed ; provided, that by a vote a 
majority of the members present consent thereto. If the appli- 
cation for renewal be approved, the Medical Examiner's report, 
together with notice of renewal of Beneficiary Certificate, shall 
be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder ; if rejected, the amount 
deposited for renewal shall be returned to the applicant. — Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 11. 

EFFECT OF SUSPENSIONS OF CERTIFICATE. 

218. Note. — Section 8, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge 
Constitution (see No. 209) provides that a brother who fails or 
neglects to pay an assessment to the Beneficiary Fund within the 
required time shall forfeit all his rights under his Beneficiary Cer- 
tificate. No other penalty is imposed upon him by the Supreme 
Lodge Constitution or auy general law of the Order. He retains, 
therefore, all the rights and privileges of a member, except the 
right to participate in the Beneficiary Fund ; and to regain this 
right he has only to pay up all assessments due upon his Benefi- 
ciary Certificate, provided such payment is made within three 
months from tne date of the forfeiture thereof. (Section 10. See 
No. 214 ) If he continue in arrears for three months, then, by 



48 

the provisions of Section 11 (See No. 217), he must again be ex- 
amined by the Medical Examiner and recommended by him for 
membership ; he mast also pay up all the assessments for which he 
would have been liable had he remained a member in good stand- 
ing. Upon compliance with these conditions, he may, by consent 
of a majority of the Lodge, " be reinstated to membership, and 
his Beneficiary Certificate renewed. ,, The question arises, does 
this change in the method of reinstatement after the brother has 
become over three months in arrears for assessments, make any 
change in his status if he does not apply for reinstatement? The 
language of Section 11 at first sight seems to imply that a brother 
three months in arrears has forfeited his membership in the Order, 
as he has to be " reinstated to membership," but a comparison of 
the provisions of Sections 8, 10, 11 and 12, shows that this is not 
the case. There are but two kinds of suspension named in these 
sections or elsewhere in the beneficary laws of the Order : One 
is suspension of a Beneficiary Certificate^ or more exactly, suspen- 
sion of a member's rights under his certificate, and the other is 
suspension from the Order, which deprives the brother of all rights 
and privileges of every kind in the Order, and completely ex- 
cludes him from it. This latter kind of suspension does not take 
place until a brother is in arrears for assessments for a period of 
six months. Until that time his Beneficiary Certificate only is sus- 
pended. In all other respects he retains all the rights and privi- 
leges of any other member. The reinstatement to membership 
mentioned in Section 11 can only mean the reinstatement of the 
brother's right to participate in the Beneficiary Fund, because, 
under the law, this is the only right he has been deprived of. 
There is nothing in the sections referred to, or elsewhere in the 
beneficiary laws, authorizing any other kind of suspension for 
arrearages on assessments for less than six months, than that in- 
volved in the words •■ shall forfeit all his rights under said certifi- 
cate." The provisions of Section 11 make it more difficult for a 
brother to obtain a renewal of his certificate or a reinstatement 
of his former rights under it, but do not deprive him of any other 
rights and privileges than he was already deprived of by the sus- 
pension for first arrearages of assessment. When he fails to pay 
one assessment his Beneficiary Certificate is held suspended, but 
he retains all other rights and privileges as a member of the Or- 
der, and his status in this respect remains the same until he be- 
comes in arrears for six months, when he stands suspended from 
the Order. The method of reinstatement is different after he is 
three months in arrears, and the Lodge may prevent him from 
regaining his forfeited rights, but in all other respects his stand- 
ing and rights are the same when he is three months in arrears as 
when one, and remain the same until the end of six months, when 
he forfeits all rights in the Order. 

219. Note. — A.s the Subordinate Lodge Constitution in the dif- 
ferent jurisdictions provides that a member who is in arrears for 
dues for a period of three months is not entitled to vote or hold 



49 

office, it might be inferred that the same restriction is placed up- 
on one who is in arrears for beneficiary assessments for the same 
period ; but there is no law to that effect. In the former case 
this restriction of the right to vote or hold office is the only pen- 
alty imposed ; in the latter, there is the heavier penalty of for- 
feiting all rights under the Beneficiary Certificate, and this does 
not carry with it the forfeiture of any other rights or privileges 
until the member is suspended from the Order. 

SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATE AFTER MEMBER IS SIX MONTHS IN 

ARREARS. 

220. Note. — When a member is six months in arrears for bene- 
ficiary assessments his Beneficiary Certificate is not only sus- 
pended or annulled, but he is deprived of all rights and privileges 
in the Order. The laws relating to this kind of suspension, and 
to the method of reinstatement after it has been incurred, will be 
found in Chapters IX and X. 

221. Note. — Delinquency for dues for six months in some juris- 
diction, and for twelve months in others, also works suspension 
from the Order, unless the Lodge extends the time for payment 
of the same. 

REPORT OF BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES. 

222. Each Subordinate Lodge shall make full report every 
thirty days (by its Recorder) to the Grand Recorder ( or, if under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, to the Supreme 
Recorder) of all Beneficiary Certificates suspended, annulled, with- 
drawn or renewed. (See Form No. 7.) — Sup. L. Const.. Art. VI11, 
Sec. 7. 

223. Note. — The above report is a summary of the changes on 
the Beneficiary Register Book during the month. (See Form 
No. 9.) 

RECORD OF CERTIFICATE. 

224. It shall be the duty of the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder 
to keep a separate and distinct account with each Subordinate 
Lodge in his jurisdiction, showing a full register of each certifi- 
cate issued, and to whom, in said Lodge ; and from the monthly 
reports of the Subordinate Lodges he shall keep a full record of 
the status of all certificates so issued.Sup. L. Oonst. % Art. VIII. 
Sec.fi. V ' 

225. Note.— The record to be kept by the Supreme Recorder 
and Grand Recorders should contain all the items on the Benefit 
Certificate Register Book of each Lodge, as given by the Recorder . 
in his monthly reports, thus showing at all times what certificates 
are in force, and what amount the Lodge should collect on each 
assessment. 



50 

FORFEITURE OF CLAIMS UNDER BENEFICARY CERTIFICATE. 

226. Any member suspended or expelled from the Order for 
any cause whatever, forfeits all claims to the Beneficiary Fund 
during said suspension or expulsion. Sup. L. Const , Art. VIII, 
See. 14. 

PROOF OF DEATH. 

_ 227. Upon the death of any brother lawfully entitled to par- 
ticipate in the Beneficiary Fund, it shall be the duty of the Sub- 
orninate Lodge of which he was a member to notify the Supreme 
(or Grand) Recorder officiftlly, by prescribed form of death no- 
tice.— Sup. L. Const., Art VIII, Sec. 8. 

228. Note. — There is no general law specifying the proof re- 
quired to establish the fact of the death of a brother. In ordi- 
nary cases such fact is so well known to members of the Lodge 
as to leave no room for doubt ; but in cases of the reported death of 
an absent brother, or in cases in which the fact of death is not well 
known by the Lodge, the strictest care should be taken to ascer- 
tain fully the fact of death and the identity of the brother, before 
the notice is sent to the Supreme or Grand Recorder. When the 
officers of the Lodge cannot certify to the death from personal 
knowledge, sworn proof should be required, and this proof should 
be forwarded with the death notice. 

LOSS OF MEDICAL EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATE. 

229. Prior to the adoption of the present beneficiary laws of the 
Order the Medical Examiner's Certificates were retained by the 
Subordinate Lodges, and in some instances have been lost or de- 
stroyed, and cannot therefore be placed on file in the Supreme 
Recorders' or the various Grand Recorders' offices, as required by 
the present laws. In such cases, the Subordinate Lodges are re- 
quired to certify the facts in their official notice of death ; and the 
absence of the Medical Examiner's Certificate is no detriment to 
the payment of the death loss.— Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 393. 

HOW BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES ARE PAID AND CANCELLED. 

230. Upon the receipt of the official notice of the death of a 
member entitled to the Beneficiary Fund of the Supreme Lodge, 
the Supreme Recorder shall promptly adjust the loss, and in set- 
tlement thereof shall draw an order on the Supreme Receiver pay- 
able to the party or parties entitled, and forward the same to the 
Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge of which the deceased was a 
member, and said Lodge shall see that the same is properly en- 
dorsed, and that the Beneficiary Certificate held by the deceased 
is properly receipted, and shall take up and forward it at once to 
the Supreme Recorder, who shall cancel and file the same. — Sup. 
L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 

231. Note.— The provisions of the foregoing section apply to 
all death losses which are payable out of the Beneficiary Fund of 



51 

the Supreme Lodge. In Grand Lodges set apart as separate bene- 
ficiary jurisdictions, the duties above imposed on the Supreme 
Recorder are to be performed by the Grand Recorder. 

232. Note. — The duty of seeing that the draft or warrant is prop- 
erly endorsed and the Beneficiary Certificate properly receipted, 
is not specifically imposed upon any officer or officers, but upon 
" the Lodge." It is, therefore, the duty of the Master Workman 
as the head of the Lodge to bring the matter to the attention of 
the Lodge, and of all officers and members to see that the law is 
complied with ; that the benefit goes into the hands of the person or 
persons entitled to it, and that the order is fully relieved from all 
further liability in the case. The most scrupulous care should be 
exercised in this important matter. 

(In Pennsylvania death losses are paid by the Grand Recorder 
directly to the person or persons named in the Beneficiary Certifi- 
cate.) 

233. In all cases in which there is any question as to who the heirs 
of a deceased brother are, or to whom the beneficiary money should 
be paid, so that the receipt will without question cancel all obli- 
gations of the Order, the proper course is to notify the heirs 
through the Lodge of which the deceased was a member, to have 
an administrator appointed by the proper court, and a certified 
copy of the record filed with the Supreme Recorder, after which 
the draft for payment can be drawn in favor of the administra- 
tor.— Pro. 8. L'lth An. Sess. p. 13. 

OLD CERTIFICATE TO BE PRODUCED ON RENEWAL OF MEMBER- 
SHIP. 

234. A person once a member of the Order, whose connection 
therewith has been so severed as to annul his Beneficiary Certifi- 
cate, making application for renewal of membership, must pro- 
duce his old Beneficiary Certificate or sworn proof of its loss. 
Gen. Law 26. 

235. Note. — The above law applies to the cases of members sus- 
pended or expelled from the Order, as well as to those of persons 
who have withdrawn from it. 

236. Note. — In all cases when a person who had ceased to be a 
member of the Order is restored to membership, his old Benefi- 
ciary Certificate again becomes valid and in force. A new one is 
not issued unless the old one has been lost, and in this case sworn* 
proof of loss is required by the above law. This proof should 
be filed in the office of the Supreme or Grand Recorder, and a. 
memorandum made on the back of the new certificate, showing 
that it was issued to replace the old one which had been lost. 

ENDORSEMENT ON CERTIFICATE WHEN LODGE MEMBERSHIP IS 

CHANGED. 

237. Note. — When a brother becomes a member of a different 
Subordinate Lodge from that in which he obtained his Beneficiary 



52 

Certificate, an endorsement should be made on the back of his 
certificate to the following effect : 

Bro became a member of 

Lodge, No , Ancient Order 

of United Workman, of , on the 

day of , 18... 

M. W. 

Recorder. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ASSESSMENTS FOR BENEFICIARY FUND. 

GENERAL CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. 

238. Upon the death of any brother lawfully entitled to par- 
ticipate in the Beneficiary Fund as hereinbefore provided, it shall 
be the duty of the Subordinate Lodge of which he was a member 
to notify officially by prescribed form of death notice, the Su- 
preme Recorder, who shall, on the first day of the following 
month, notify each Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction, when 
the Beneficiary Fund on hand in each Subordinate Lodge (the 
same being one dollar for each valid certificate, and such sums as 
may have been received for certificates renewed) shall immedi- 
ately be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder, and a record thereof 
be entered upon the minutes. Each Subordinate Lodge shall 
then make an assessment of one dollar upon each member hold- 
ing a certificate, or having received the Master Workman's de- 
gree, (provided such member has received his certificate prior to 
the date of the death on which the assessment is made ) Written 
notices of assessments shall be made and sent by the Financier, 
not later than the 8th day of the month in which the notice was 
issued by the Supreme Recorder. Not later than the 28th day of 
said month in which said notice of assessment was given, any 
member holding a certificate of the Beneficiary Fund, having 
failed or neglected to pay said assessment into the Beneficiary 
Fund in his Subordinate Lodge, shall forfeit all his rights under 
said certificate. — Sup. I. Const., Art VIII, Sec. 8. 

[Note. — The above are the general constitutional provisions re- 
lating to assessments, in a connected form. The details will be 
found in this and other Chapters, under various separate head- 
ings.] 

NOTICE TO SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

239. The Supreme Recorder, when duly notified of the death 
of a member of a Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jur- 
isdiction of the Supreme Lodge, lawfully entitled to participate 



53 

in the Beneficiary Fund, shall, on the first day of the following 
month, notify each Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction. — Sup. 
L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 8. 

240. Note. — Where Grand Lodges are established and not set 
apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions, the notice is sent by 
the Supreme Recorder to the Grand Recorder, who notifies the 
Subordinate Lodges in his jurisdiction. In Grand Lodges set 
apart as separate jurisdictions, the Grand Recorder performs the 
duties assigned in the above Article to the Supreme Recorder. 

241. Note. — Notices of assessments, like all other communica- 
tions to Subordinate Lodges, are in general sent to the Recorder. 
In Pennsylvania, however, by resolution of the Grand Lodge, 
the Grand Recorder sends the notices of assessments directly to 
the Financiers of Subordinate Lodges, so that there may be no 
delay in the issue of notice to the members by the Financier. 

ASSESSMENTS, WHEN AND HOW ORDERED. 

242. No order shall be made by the Supreme Recorder upon 
the Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate Lodges until there is less 
than two thousand dollars in the Beneficiary Fund in the Su- 
preme Lodge, nor shall any such order be made except with the 
approval of the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. — Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 

243. Note. — In Grand Lodges set apart ^is separate beneficial 
jurisdictions, the provisions of the above paragraph apply to the 
Grand Recorder and Grand Lodge Finance Committee. (See, 
Sup. L. Const., Art. VI.) 

SURPLUS OF ASSESSMENTS. 

244. Note. — If an assessment in any beneficiary jurisdiction 
brings into the Beneficiary Fund a sufficient amount to pay off 
one or more certificates in addition to the one for which the as- 
sessment was made, such additional certificates are paid from the 
surplus. 

HOW ASSESSMENTS ARE MADE UPON MEMBERS. 

245. Each Subordinate Lodge upon being officially notified of 
a death assessment, shall make an assessment of one dollar upon 
each member holding a (valid) certificate, or having received the 
Master Workman degree, (provided such member has received 
his certificate or Master Workman degree prior to the date of the 
death on which the assessment is made.) Written notices of 
assessments shall be made and sent by the Financier, not later 
than the 8th day of the month in which the notice was issued by 
the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder. — Sup. L. Const. , Art VIII, Sec&* 
8,9. 

WHEN ASSESSMENTS MUST BE PAID. 

246. Not later than the 28th day of the month in which the 
notice of assessment was given, any member holding a certificate 



54 

of the Beneficiary Fund, having failed or neglected to pay said 
assessment into the Beneficiary Fund in his Subordinate Lodge, 
shall forfeit all his rights under said certificate. — Sup. L. Const. , 
Art VIII, Sec. 8. 

247. On the third meeting night following the issuing of assess- 
ment notices, and on or before the 28th day of the month, he (the 
Financier) shall furnish the Lodge with the names of the mem- 
bers who are in arrears on such assessments, and the Recorder 
shall place the same on the minutes of the Lodge, and mark 
such certificates as suspended on the Certificate Register Book, 
affixing the date thereto. — Sup L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 0. 

248. Note — The Constitution requires that notices of assess- 
ment shall be sent out by the Financier not later than the 8th 
of the month, and that the assessment shall be paid not later than 
the 28th day of the month. If any brother fails to pay his assess- 
ment on or before the 28th day of the month, his certificate is 
held suspended. This rule is in no way changed, if a Lodge 
meets semi-monthly instead of weekly. In all cases the Financier 
must send the notices not later than the 8th of the month, and 
the assessment must be paid as above stated. It is each brother's 
duty to see that his assessment is paid into the Lodge at a meet- 
ing before the 28th day of the month ; otherwise his certificate is 
held suspended without any action of the Lodge. The fact that 
the meetings are semi-monthly makes no change as to time of 
payment. 



WHEN NEW MEMBERS BECOME LIABLE TO ASSESSMENTS. 

249. Upon the death of a brother lawfully entitled to partici- 
pate in the Beneficiary Fund * * * each Subordinate Lodge 
shall make an assessment of one dollar upon each member hold- 
ing a certificate, or having received the Master Workman degree ; 
provided such member has received his certificate or the Master 
Workman degree prior to the date of the death on which the as- 
sessment is made. — Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 8. 

250. Note. — A. member when he applies for the Master Work- 
man degree pays one dollar into the Beneficiary Fund, but is not 
liable for further payment until an assessment is made upon a 
death occurring after the date at which he received such degree. 
The one dollar which he pays in as above is not forwarded from 
the Subordinate Lodge until notice is received of an assessment 
made upon a death which has occurred after such date. It is then 
forwarded with the rest of the fund on hand, and he is assessed 
with the other members to replace the fund. (See No. 245.) 

251. Members of a new Lodge who received the Master Work- 
man degree at the time of its organization are liable for assess- 
ments on all deaths occurring after such organization, and all 
other members are liable for assessments on deaths occurring 
after they received the said degree. 



55 

252. A member is required to pay assessments on all deaths 
occurring after he has received the Master Workman degree, 
whether he actually has the Beneficiary Certificate in his posses- 
sion or not. 

ENTRY OF ASSESSMENTS, 

253. The Financier of each Subordinate Lodge shall keep a 
book wherein all assessments of the Beneficiary Fund shall be 
entered against each member holding a valid certificate ; such 
entry shall be made bearing date of the first meeting night, and 
not later than the 8th day of the month on which the notice was 
received. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

254. Note.— No charge of an assessment is made against a mem- 
ber on the Financier's book. The form of book adopted by the 
Supreme Lodge is arranged with a column for each assessment. 
The number of the assessment being placed at the head of a 
column and the date entered, the assessment then stands ' 'entered 
against'' each brother whose name is on the list in the book. As 
each one pays, the amount is entered opposite his name, in the 
proper column, showing on what assessment it has been paid. 

TWO OR MORE ASSESSMENTS AT SAME TIME. 

255. Note. — When the amount needed to pay off death losses 
reported is more than will be realized from one assessment, then 
two or more assessments will be ordered at the same time. No- 
tice of these will be given to the members at the same time and 
payment will be required as in the case of a single assessment. — 
(See Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 8.) 

256. In case of the receipt of two or more notices at the same 
time, the Lodge forwards "one dollar for each valid certificate, 
and such sums as may have been received for certificates renewed," 
to the Grand Recorder. The Lodge then sends notice of each 
death to each member who has received the Master Workman's 
degree prior to the death, and the member must pay the assess- 
ment or assessments on or before the 28th day of the month. 
The number of assessments does not extend the time of payment. 
Two or more assessments made at the same time must be paid in 
the same time that one would. The Lodge, in case of two or 
more assessments, is bound to forward a sufficient sum to pay 
them before the first of the following month. 

ASSESSMENTS NOT TO BE RECEIVED FROM MEMBER SUSPENDED 
FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. 

257. After a member has been suspended for non-payment of 
dues, the Lodge can not receive his beneficiary assessments until 
he has paid up his dues and is reinstated. 

258. Note. — A.s the only kind of suspension provided in the 
laws of the Order for non-payment of dues, is total suspension, 



56 

or suspension from the Order, and a member thus suspended for- 
feits all claims to the Beneficiary Fund, it is clear that the Lodge 
should neither send him notice of assessments or receive any as- 
sessments from him until he has been reinstated according to the 
laws of the Order. 

PAYMENT OF ASSESSMENTS, BY LODGE, FOR DELINQUENT 
MEMBER. 

259. The Lodge has the privilege of paying the assessments for 
any delinquent member. In such case the amount so paid must 
be included in the order drawn in favor of the Grand (or Su- 
preme) Recorder. — Pro. 3d An. fiess. S. L.,p. 89 

260. Note. — When the Lodge pays an assessment for a delin- 
quent member under the above decision, a warrant for the amount 
should be ordered, as General Law No. 29 provides that *'No 
money shall be paid out of the General Fund of any Subordinate 
Lodge except upon orders drawn upon the Receiver." 

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT NOT TO BE SENT TO SUSPENDED 
BROTHERS. 

261. A brother suspended for non-payment of assessments 
must not receive further notice of assessments. 

ASSESSMENTS FOR BENEFICIARY FUND, HOW NUMBERED. 

262. The Supreme Recorder shall number death and assessment 
notices, commencing with No. 1, and so continuing during the 
fiscal year ; and deaths shall be placed on the call for assessments 
in the order of time that the deaths occurred, and not in the or- 
der they are received at the Supreme Recorder's office. — Pro. 7th 
An. Sess. S.L., p. 70. 

CLOSING ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT ON A BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

263. Upon the death or final withdrawal of a brother, or the 
annulling of his Beneficiary Certificate, the one dollar deposited 
in the Beneficiary Fund in the Lodge, belongs to the General 
Beneficiary Fund, and must be forwarded upon the first call 
upon said fund thereafter. 

264. Note. — When all assessments which have been made on a 
brother's Beneficiary Certificate have been paid, there is then one 
dollar on hand in the Beneficiary Fund of the Lodge for each 
certificate, ready for the next notice. If a brother takes a clear- 
ance card and joins another Lodge in the same jurisdiction, the 
dollar is paid over to such Lodge. If the certificate is annulled 
by the brother's death, or his withdrawal or expulsion, or by his 
joining a Lodge in another beneficiary jurisdiction, the assess- 
ment account with him is closed by forwarding the dollar to the 
Supreme or Grand Recorder upon the next call. 



57 
CHAPTER VIII. 

BENEFICIARY FUND. 
BENEFICIARY FUND, LAWS GOVERNING. 

265. The rules and regulations governing the management of 
the Beneficiary Fund of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, as the same are laid down in 
Article VIII of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, fully apply to 
Subordinate Lodges of all Grand jurisdictions, and must be 
strictly enforced. 

266. Note. — The laws and regulations above referred to, are ap- 
plicable throughout the Order. (See No. 5.) 

BENEFICIARY FUNDS TO BE SACREDLY KEPT. 

267. The Beneficiary Funds shall be kept sacred for the pur- 
pose designated in the Laws of the Order, and shall only be used 
in the payment of death assessments. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 
291. 

268. Note. — In a case arising under the jurisdiction of the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a draft was drawn by the Grand 
Recorder in favor of the widow of a deceased brother, for the 
amount of $2,000, and forwarded to be delivered to her. The 
L< dge held a claim of $110 against the deceased brother for a 
liability incurred by him as surety on the bond of one of the 
former officers of the Lodge. This amount was deducted from 
the $2,000 and paid into the Lodge. The matter was referred to 
a committee in the Grand Lodge, who, after an investigation of 
the case, reported a resolution that the Subordinate Lodge be re- 
quired to refund to the widow the amount taken out of the $2,000, 
the Beneficiary Fund being a sacred fund for the payment of Bene- 
ficiary Certificates and for no other rjurpose, and not subject to a 
deduction for debts of the deceased brother. The resolution was 
adopted by the Grand Lodge, and carried into effect. — See Pro, 
G. L. of Pa., 7th An. Sess., pp. 8, 18. 

BENEFICIARY FUND TO BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM GENERAL 
FUND. 

269. The Receiver shall keep a separate and distinct account of 
the Beneficiary Fund. — Const., Sub. L., Art. X, Sec. 6. 

270. Note. — The above rule is applicable to all Lodges through- 
out the Order. 

BENEFICIARY MONEYS TO BE RECEIVED BY THE FINANCIER AND 
PAID OVER TO THE RECEIVER. 

271. The Financier of the Subordinate Lodge shall pay over to 
the Receiver, each meeting night, all Beneficiary moneys, taking 
his receipt therefor, and make report, in writing, which shall be 
entered upon the minutes. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 16. 



58 

272. Note. — All moneys for the Lodge are received by the Fi- 
nancier, and by him paid over to the Receiver. 

WHEN FUND IS TO BE FORWARDED FROM SUBORDINATE LODGES, 

273. When notice is received of the death of a brother and of 
an assessment for Beneficiary Fund, the amount of said fund on 
hand in each Subordinate Lodge (the same being one dollar for 
each valid certificate and such sums as may have been received 
for certificates renewed) shall immediately be forwarded to the 
Supreme Recorder, if the Lodge is under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, or to the Grand Recorder, if working 
under a Grand Lodge. A record of the amount so forwarded 
shall be entered upon the minutes. — Sup.L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 
8; Art. VI, No 3 ; Art. VII, Sec 1. 

AMOUNT OF FUND TO BE FORWARDED. 

274. Note. — The above Section specifies the amount of the fund 
to be forwarded, as tk being one dollar for each valid certificate, 
and such sums as have been received for certificates renewed." A 
certificate which has been held suspended is not a " valid certifi- 
cate," and the Lodge is therefore only required to send one dol- 
lar for each certificate not held suspended. All members who 
fail to pay their assessments on or before the 28th day of the 
month, forfeit their rights under their certificates, and their cer- 
tificates should be entered on the Certificate Register Book as sus- 
pended. On such certificates the Lodge is not required to for- 
ward any amount. The Lodge is only held accountable for car- 
rying out the Beneficiary Law, and when it does this, it does not 
become liable for any sums to the Beneficiary Fund except such 
as it receives from the members. If a member fails to pay as re- 
quired by the law, and the proper entry and record is made, the 
brother's certificate is held suspended, and on such certificate the 
Lodge is not liable. The report accompanying the remittance 
of the fund shows that the brother failed to pay within the pre- 
scribed time, and his certificate was held suspended ; and this re- 
lieves the Lodge from payment on such certificate — it not being 
then " valid." Any arrearages paid into the Beneficiary Fund on 
renewal of certificates or reinstatement of members, after the 
previous remittance, are of course, to be included, in addition to 
one dollar for each valid certificate, and those two items make 
up the amount to be forwarded. 

TWO OR MORE ASSESSMENTS AT THE SAME TIME. 

275. Should two or more notices of assessments be received at 
the same time, the Subordinate Lodge shall immediately forward 
the Beneficiary Fund on hand, as hereinbefore provided, which 
amount shall pay one notice. On or before the first day of the 
following month it shall forward to the Supreme Recorder one 
dollar for each valid certificate so held at that time under its jur- 
isdiction, for each remaining notice. — Sup.L. Const. , Art. VIII \ 
Sec. 8. 



278. Note. — The operation of the above provision is as follows : 
When notice of two or more assessments is received by the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, the Receiver immediately forwards the Bene- 
ficiary Fund on hand, which amounts to one dollar for each 
member whose certificate is not reported on the monthly report 
as being held suspended, and such sums as may have been re- 
ceived for Beneficiary Certificates renewed, as appears by said 
report. This report, which is made by the Recorder at the close 
of the month, shows the number of Beneficiary Certificates in 
force in the Lodge, and those which have been "suspended, an- 
nulled, withdrawn or renewed." It therefore shows the exact 
amount of the Beneficiary Fund which is on hand at the close of 
the month, and this is the amount the Receiver forwards. (Any 
sums received for renewal of certificates or otherwise after the 
report is closed, are to be entered in the next report and included 
in the next remittance.) The remittance made as above by the 
Receiver, pays the first notice, or assessment. Notices are then 
sent to the members to pay in one dollar each on each assessment 
of which the Lodge has been notified. These notices must be 
issued not later than the 8th day of the month, and the members 
are required to pay in their assessments not later than the 28th 
day of the month, in default of which payment their certificates 
stand suspended. The Recorder then (on or before the first of 
the next month) makes up the report of all certificates thus held 
suspended, and of any that have been renewed, annulled or with- 
drawn during the month. The Receiver at the same time for- 
wards the second remittance under the call, which will be one dol- 
lar for each valid certificate in force at that date, for each remain- 
ing assessment after the first, and also such sums as have been 
received for Beneficiary Certificates renewed. The remittance 
must correspond in amount with the facts shown in the report. 
By the above statements it will be seen : 

1. That the Lodge is required to pay only on such certificates 
as are not held suspended. 

2. The monthly report made by the Recorder should show the 
exact status of each Beneficiary Certificate held in the Lodge and 
the Supreme or Grand Recorder can at once determine the amount 
of beneficiary money which should be forwarded by the Lodge. 

3. The first assessment having been paid by the first remittance 
under the notice, the second remittance will leave in the Bene- 
ficiary Fund of the Subordinate Lod^e one dollar for each Bene- 
ficiary Certificate not reported as held suspended. 

4. The business connected with each assessment is entirely 
closed each month, and report made thereof, so that on the first 
day of each month the Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate 
Lodge is ready for the draft that may be made upon it for that 
month. 

5. When only one notice of assessment is received, the second 
remittance does not, of course, have to be made, the Lodge sim- 
ply collecting one assessment to replace the Beneficiary Fund 
which has been forwarded. 



60 

WHEN A BROTHER'S FIRST PAYMENT IS TO BE FORWARDED, 

277. Note. — A brother is not liable for any assessment made on 
a death occurring previous to the time he received the Master 
Workman degree. The one dollar which he pays into the Bene- 
ficiary Fund when he receives that degree is a deposit or advance 
payment, and is not forwarded immediately to the Supreme or 
Grand Recorder, but is held in the Subordinate Lodge until a call 
is made on a death occurring after that date. The Financier 
enters this deposit opposite the brother's name, either in a column 
in his book provided for that purpose, or makes a pencil entry as 
a memorandum. When notice is received by the Lodge of an as- 
sessment made on a death occurring after the date at which the 
new brother received the Master Workman degree, his advance 
payment is then added by the Financier to the amount in the 
column showing the amount of the Beneficiary Fund which is to 
be forwarded on the notice received, and it is remitted by the Re. 
ceiver to the Supreme or Grand Recorder. The brother is then 
assessed with all other members of the Lodge, to replace the 
Fund, ready for the next call. The one dollar which he pays at 
first, is carried forward as a deposit, and is eventually applied as 
a final assessment on his own certificate when it becomes payable 
by his death; or it goes into the general Beneficiary Fund if his 
certificate is annulled by his withdrawal or suspension from the 
Order, or otherwise. When a brother transfers his membership 
from one Lodge to another, this one payment which is always to 
his credit in the Beneficiary Fund when he has paid all assess- 
ments made upon him, is transferred to the Lodge in which he 
deposits his card. 

DOLLAR TO BE FORWARDED ON DEATH, ETC, 

278. Upon the death or final withdrawal of a brother holding 
a Beneficiary Certificate, or the annulling of a brother's certificate 
by the Lodge, the one dollar deposited in the Beneficiary Fund in 
the Lodge belongs to the General Beneficiary Fund, and must be 
forwarded to the Grand Recorder upon the first draft upon said 
fund thereafter. 

WHEN ARREARAGES ARE TO BE FORWARDED. 

279. Any arrearages to the Beneficiary Fund, paid into the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, shall be forwarded by the Receiver to the Supreme 
(or Grand) Recorder, upon the first order upon said fund there- 
after.— Sup. L Const , Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

280. Note. — Before a brother whose certificate has been sus- 
pended or who has been suspended from the Order, becomes 
reinstated to his rights under his certificate, he is required to pay 
into the Subordinate Lodge the amount he was in arrears on 
assessments at the time of suspension or up to the time of rein- 
statement, according to the law in each case. The sums so paid in 
are the ''arrearages" referred to in the above Section. 



61 

FEE TO BE FORWARDED WITH FUND. 

281. Upon the payment of each assessment notice, the Subor- 
dinate Lodge shall forward to the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, 
in addition to the fund, the sum of fifty cents, which shall be 
placed in the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge General Fund.— Sup. L. 
Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 16. 

282. Note. — The amount forwarded as above comes out of the 
Subordinate Lodge General Fund. A warrant should therefore 
be drawn for it, in accordance with General Law 29, which for- 
bids the payment of any money out of the General Fund except 
upon orders drawn upon the Receiver. Grand Lodges have the 
power to reduce this amount. 

DUTY OF THE RECEIVER TO FORWARD THE FUND. 

283. Note. — Sec. 8, of Art. VIII, Supreme Lodge Constitution, 
requires that upon a Subordinate Lodge receiving notice of an 
assessment, the Beneficiary Fund on hand "shall immediately be 
forwarded,*' and Sec. 16, of the same Article, specifies that the 
fund shall be forwarded by the Receiver according to the provis- 
ions of Section 8. No vote or action of the Lodge is therefore 
required to forward the money. It is the duty of the Receiver to 
forward the amount immediately after the notice has been 
received by the Lodge. Section 6, of Article X, Subordinate 
Lodge Constitution, makes the rule still more explicit as to Sub- 
ordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, and provides that the receipt of the Supreme Receiver 
through the Supreme Recorder shall be the Receiver's voucher to 
the Lodge. In some Grand jurisdictions, an order for the amount 
to be remitted is drawn, and signed by the Recorder and Master 
Workman. This rule, whilst different from that adopted by the 
Supreme Lodge for the Subordinate Lodges under its immediate 
jurisdiction, does not appear to be contrary to the general law on 
the subject in the Sections of the Constitutions referred to. The 
Beneficiary Fund must, of course, be kept separate from the 
Lodge Fund, and when orders are drawn upon it as above stated, 
the order should specify the fund upon which they are drawn, 
and should be in a series separate and distinct from those drawn 
upon the Lodge Fund. 

284. No action of the Lodge is necessary to instruct the Re- 
ceiver to forward the Beneficiary Fund. The notice of assess- 
ments under the seal of the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge, and the 
same read in open Lodge constitutes a legal draft on said fund, 
and the receipt of the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge for the same 
should be read in open Lodge, and given to the Receiver, the 
same being his lawful voucher to the Lodge. 

FUND TO BE FORWARDED IMMEDIATELY. 

285. When an assessment call is issued, the amount of Benefi- 
ciary Fund on hand in a Subordinate Lodge (being one dollar for 



62 

«each valid certificate and such sums as may have been received 
for certificates renewed) shall immediately be forwarded. There 
ds therefore no time allowed. The money must be forwarded at 
once, and failing to do so in a reasonable time, (that is, the time 
irequisite to transact the business,) the Lodge may be suspended 
JPro. 7th An. Bess. S. A, p. 126. 

FAILURE TO FORWARD FUND. 

286. When a Subordinate Lodge fails to pay an assessment, to 
^the Grand Recorder, within the time specified, the proper steps for 
the suspension of the Lodge should at once be taken ; but until a 
Lodge is suspended the Grand Recorder should continue to notify 
such Lodge of deaths and assessments.— Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L.. 
p. 113. 

HOW BENEFICIARY FUND IS FORWARDED FROM SUBORDINATE 

LODGES. 

^287. (1.) Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
ILodge forward to the Supreme Recorder, by draft payable to the 
order of the Supreme Receiver, or otherwise as the Supreme 
Lodge may de f ermine. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 

288. (2.) Lodges working under a Grand Lodge not set apart as a 
Separate Beneficiary Jurisdiction, forward their amount of Benefi- 
ciary Fund to the Grand Recorder, who forwards to the Supreme 
{Recorder the total sum in a draft payable to the Supreme Re- 
ceiver. — Sup % L. Const., Art. VII, Sec. 3. 

289. Note. — The precise manner in which the money is to be 
sent by the Subordinate Lodge in the above case is not specified 
in the Supreme Lodge Constitution, but as the Grand Recorder 
;is required to forward the whole amount received from Subordi- 
nate Lodges, in a draft payable to the order of the Supreme Re- 
ceiver, it seems to be necessary that the money should be sent to 
him (the Grand Recorder) by the Subordinate Lodges, in a draft 
/payable to his order, or in such other wiy as will enable him to 
include all in the draft to be sent by him to the Supreme Re- 
corder. 

290. (3.) Lodges working under a Grand Lodge set apart as a 
separate Beneficiary Jurisdiction, forward to the Grand Recorder 
l>y a draft payable to the order of the Grand Receiver, or in sucli 
<£>ther manner as the Grand Lodge may determine. — Sup. L. Const., 
Art. VI. 

RECEIPTS FOR BENEFICIARY FUNDS. 

291. The beneficiary laws require that all Beneficiary Funds shall 
?be paid to the Supreme or Grand Receiver, as the case may be, 
-who shall execute a receipt therefor, which must be countersigned 
■by the Supreme or Grand Recorder, as the case may be ; and in 
all cases receipts should be thus executed in order to legally liqui- 
date the Lodge of its liability. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L. p. 



63 

BENEFICIARY FUND TO BE TURNED OVER TO SUPREME RECEIVERS 

292. The Supreme Recorder shall immediately turn over to the*. 
Supreme Receiver all drafts or moneys of the Beneficiary Fund 
forwarded from Subordinate Lodges, and keep an accurate account- 
thereof.— Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 

293. Note. — In Grand Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary- 
jurisdictions, the above applies to the Grand Recorder and 
Grand Receiver. In Pennsylvania, before the adoption of the 
above by the Supreme Lodge, the law provided that the Grand 
Recorder should receive and disburse the Beneficiary Fund, and 
that rule continues in force. 

MONTHLY STATEMENT OF BENEFICIARY FUND. 

294. The Supreme Recorder (and in Grand Lodges set apart a& 
separate jurisdictions, the Grand Recorder) shall, on or before the: 
first day of each month, make a full statement of all receipts and 
disbursements of the Beneficiary Fund, the correctness of which 
statement shall be attested by the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge Fi- 
nance Committee, and [a copy of] the same sent to each Subordi- 
nate Lodge. — Sup. L. Const. , Art. VIII, Sec. 17. 



CHAPTER IX. 

SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 

PRELIMINARY NOTE. 

There are four kinds of disqualification or suspension under the 
laws of the Order, which may be defined as follows : 

295. (1.) Disqualification for Non-payment of Dues. — When a» 
brother is three months in arrears for dues he forfeits the rights of 
voting and of holding office, but his rights under his Beneficiary 
Certificate are not affected. He is not declared suspended, and; 
no record is made of the matter. He is not a " suspended mem- 
ber*' under the laws of the Order, but is simply disqualified im 
respect to the privileges above named. At any time before he be- 
comes in arrears for six months (in some jurisdictions one year) 
he may regain these forfeited privileges by paying up his arrear- 
ages of dues. This disqualification should not be confounded with- 
suspension from the Order, which is treated of in this Chapter. 

296. (2.) Temporary Suspension of Beneficiary Certificate— This: 
takes place when a brother fails to pay an assessment for the Ben- 
eficiary Fund on or before the 28th day of the month in which 
notice of the same was issued It does not affect the brother's 
right of voting or holding office, but, until removed, deprives; 
him of all rights or benefits under his Beneficiary Certificate. It 



64 

may be removed at any time before he becomes in arrears for 
three months, by payment of the amount due at the time of sus- 
pension, and of all assessments that have been made in the mean- 
time. If not removed within three months, the brother can then 
only be reinstated by consent of a majority of the Lodge after 
medical examination, etc. This reinstatement must take place 
before he is in arrears for six months* assessments. For laws and 
decisions relative to this kind of suspension, see Chapter on Ben- 
eficiary Certificates. If a brother is not reinstated within the 
prescribed time, then he becomes suspended from the Order. 

297. (3.) Suspension from the Order for Non Payment of Dues or 
Assessments. — This suspension takes place when a brother is in 
arrears for assessments for the Beneficiary Fund for a period of 
six months, or for dues for the same period, or for such time as 
Grand Lodges may prescribe. It works an entire forfeiture of all 
claims under the Beneficiary Certificate, and deprives the sus- 
pended brother of all rights and privileges as a member of the 
Order. 

298. (4) Indefinite Suspension under the Penal Laws of the Or- 
der. — This suspension has the same effect as that mentioned in the 
preceding paragraph, in depriving a brother of all rights and ben- 
efits in the Order, but reinstatement is made more difficult. A 
member indefinitely suspended is virtually expelled from the Or- 
der, and can only be restored to membership by permission of the 
Supreme or Grand Lodge. (See General Law 27.) 

[The laws and decisions relating the latter two kinds of suspen- 
sion will be found in this Chapter.] 

SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER FOR NON-PAYMENT OF ASSESS- 
MENTS. 

299. Any member in arrears on beneficiary assessments for the 
period of six months, shall stand suspended from all benefits and 
privileges in the Order. His Beneficiary Certificate shall be re- 
ported to the Supreme Recorder (or Grand Recorder) as annulled, 
and he shall not again be admitted to membership, except as pro- 
vided in Section 13, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge Con- 
stitution.— (See No. 315.)— Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, See. 12. 

300. Note. — The above provision being a part of the Beneficiary 
Law of the Order, is binding in all jurisdictions. By the operation of 
the law, a brother six months in arrears, on assessments, "stands 
suspended " from the Order, whether formally declared so or not. 
The suspension can only be averted by payment within the speci- 
fied time, and compliance with the other requirements of the law. 
The Lodge cannot extend the time for payment. 

DECLARATION OF SUSPENSION. 

301. The Master Workman has the right, and it is one of his 
duties, to declare a member suspended when the Financier reports 
him delinquent on his assessments for the specified time. 



65 

302. A member in arrears for beneficiary assessments for six 
months stands suspended from all benefits and privileges of the- 
Order, although the Financier may have failed to report him to 
the Master Workman, and he may not have been declared sus- 
pended. 

SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. 

303. Any member neglecting or refusing to pay the dues fixed 
by the By-Laws of his Lodge for the period of six months, shall be 
reported to the Lodge by the Financier, and the Master Workman 
shall, unless otherwise directed by the Lodge, thereupon declare 
such member suspended from the Order. — JSub. L. Const. , Art. XI, 
Sec. 2. 

304. Note. — The above is specifically applicable only to Subor* 
dinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, but a similar provision has been adopted in the Subordi- 
nate Lodge Constitutions in the different jurisdictions, except that 
some have fixed the period at twelve months instead of six. It- 
may therefore be regarded as a general law of the Order. 

SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF ASSESSMENTS OR DUES. 

305. A brother cannot be suspended from the Order until he is 
in arrears for beneficiary assessments, or dues and fines, for a 
period of six months. 

306. Note. — In some jurisdictions suspension for non-payment 
of dues does not take place until a member is in arrears for twelve 
months. The subject of suspension for non-payment of dues is„ 
however, regulated by each Grand Jurisdiction. 

307. The non-payment of assessments alone does not affect the^ 
standing of a member in the Order, except in his beneficiary:' 
rights, until he is in arrears for six months. He is then suspended 1 
from all the rights and benefits of the Order. Non-payment of 
assessments for a period less than six months simply renders void 
or suspends the Beneficiary Certificate, and deprives a member for 
the time of all rights to the Beneficiary Fund. Suspension at any- 
time for non-payment of Lodge dues, or for improper conduct, 
deprives the member at once of all the rights and benefits of the 
Order, including all right to the Beneficiary Fund. — Pro. 1th An*. 
Sess. S. L.,p. 113. 

NON-ATTENDANCE NOT A CAUSE FOR SUSPENSION. 

308. No member of a Subordinate Lodge is subject to suspen- 
sion for or by reason of non-attendance at the meetings of the? 
Lodge. 

SUSPENDED MEMBER CANNOT BE INITIATED AS A NEW MEMBER:. 

309. A person who has been suspended or expelled from a; 
Lodge for non-payment of dues or assessments, cannot be initiated 



into another Lodge as though he had never belonged to the Order. 
Pro. Uh An. Sess. S. L. t pp. 169, 204. 

SUSPENDED MEMBER CANNOT JOIN ANOTHER LODGE. 

310. A member suspended from the Order must be reinstated 
by the Lodge which suspended him, before he can become a mem- 
ber of any other Lodge of the Order as a charter member or other- 
wise. — Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 299. 

311 A member who has been suspended in one jurisdiction, 
going into another, cannot join a new Lodge there as a charter 
member. He must first be reinstated in the Subordinate Lodge 
suspending him, and join the new Lodge by clearance card as 
provided by the laws of the Order. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 396. 

SUSPENDED MEMBERS FORFEIT ALL RIGHTS. 

312. Any member suspended or expelled from the Order for 
any cause whatever, forfeits all claims to the Beneficiary Fund 
during said suspension or expulsion.— Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII, 
Sec. 14. 

313. A member suspended (from the Order) is out of the Order 
and entitled to no privileges or benefits of any kind, until he is 
reinstated — Pro. %d An. Sess. S. L. y p. 89. 

EXPULSION FROM THE ORDER. 

314. Note. — Immoral conduct and violation of the principles 
and laws of the Order, are punishable by expulsion from the Or- 
der, upon charges preferred and proceedings taken under the laws 
of the Order. (See Chapter XXII.) A two-thirds vote is 
required to expel a member. 



CHAPTER X. 

REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERS SUSPENDED FROM THE ORDER FOR 

NON-PAYMENT OF DUES OR ASSESSMENTS. 

315. Any member holding a final card, or a member suspended 
from the Order by reason of non-payment of dues or arrearages 
of beneficiary assessments, applying to be reinstated, shall pay 
the amount he was in arrears at the date of his suspension, under 
the provisions of Section 12, of Article VIII, of the Supreme 
Lodge Constitution, and in addition thereto a sum of not less than 
tea dollars, which sum shall be appropriated to what shall be 
known as the Literary Fund, and used for no other purpose 
than the establishing of a library for the use of the members of 



67 

the Lodge, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the 
Lodge may establish ; or such sum may be ordered to be paid into 
the General Fund by a vote of the Lodge. He shall make appli- 
cation in the same manner and form as that prescribed for admis- 
sion to membership, but shall not be liable for any initiation or 
degree fees. If his application be approved, he shall deposit one 
dollar in the Beneficiary Fund of the Subordinate Lodge ; and 
the Recorder shall immediately notify the Supreme (or Grand) Re- 
corder of his reinstatement and renewal of his Beneficiary Certifi- 
cate. If rejected, the amounts as above specified shall be re- 
turned.—^;?. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 13. 

316. Note. — The above Section, it will be seen, applies to two 
classes — persons holding final cards and those suspended from the 
Order. A person holding a final card, having withdrawn entirely 
from the Order, is not identified with one Lodge more than 
another. He can, therefore, be reinstated in any Subordinate 
Lodge upon compliance with the requirements of the law; but a 
member who is suspended from the Order is suspended as a mem- 
ber of the Subordinate Lodge to which he at the time belonged, 
and can only be reinstated in the same Lodge. 

AMOUNT TO BE PAID ON REINSTATEMENT. 

317. A member applying to be reinstated, under the provisions 
or Section 13, of Article VIII, of the Constitution of the Supreme 
Lodge, must pay all assessments which have been issued previous 
to his suspension, under Section 12 of said Article, and subse- 
quent and including the one on which his Beneficiary Certificate 
was suspended by Section 9 of said Article, and in addition thereto 
the amount required by Section 13 — that is, ten dollars for Library 
Fund, and one dollar to the Beneficiary Fund. — Pro. 7th An. 
Sess. S.L.,p. 114. 

* REINSTATEMENT NOT AFFECTED BY AGE OF APPLICANT. 

318. Under the laws as they existed up to the 7th Annual Ses- 
sion of the Supreme Lodge, a brother suspended from the Order, 
under the Beneficiary Article, could not be reinstated after 
becoming over fifty years of age. The rule is different under the 
present laws, Section 15, of Article VIII, Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, having been repealed. — Pro. 7th An. fiess. 8. L.,p. 113. 

319. A member who was suspended from the Order for non 
payment of the beneficiary assessments, prior to the 7th Annual 
Session of the Supreme Lodge, and becoming fifty years of age 
during such suspension, may be reinstated upon proper applica- 
tion. — Ibid. 

ARREARS, ETC., TO BE FORWARDED TO THE SUPREME 
(OR GRAND) RECORDER. 

320. When a brother who has been suspended from the Order 
is reinstated, the beneficiary assessments made up to the time 
of his suspension from the Order must be paid, and forwarded to 



the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, together with the Medical Ex- 
aminer's Certificate and notice of renewal. 



REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERS SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED UNDER 
PENAL PROVISIONS OP THE ORDER. 

321. Any member indefinitely suspended or expelled under the 
penal provisions of the Order, cannot be restored to membership 
except by permission of the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge, (or 
during the vacation of said bodies, the Supreme Master Workman 
or Grand Master Workman,) as the case may be, under whose im- 
mediate jurisdiction the Subordinate Lodge is to which such appli- 
cation is made. Such suspended or expelled member shall in all 
other respects comply with the requirements made in regard to 
members suspended for non-payment of assessments or dues. 
Gen. Law 27. 

322. In case a Subordinate Lodge suspends a member for a 
specified time, under the penal laws of the Order, all of the pro- 
visions of the Beneficiary Laws must be complied with before 
such member can be reinstated. If the suspension should be for 
a period of less than three months, at the expiration of the time 
he can be reinstated by simply paying up, as provided in Section 
10 of the Beneficiary Laws. Should the suspension be for a 
longer period than three months, then compliance with Section 11 
of the Beneficiary Laws would be required, and if for a longer 
period than six months, the member, by limitation of time, as 
provided in said laws, becomes a suspended member of the Order, 
and compliance with Section 13 is the only way in which he can 
regain membership. • When a Lodge imposes a penalty extending 
over six months, they may as well suspend the member from the 
Order, as this will follow as the result. — Pro. S. L. % 1th An. JSess. f 
p. 15. 

RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP AFTER WITHDRAWAL. 

323. Note.— Section 13, of Article VIII, Supreme Lodge Con- 
stitution (See No. 315) applies to "any member holding a final 
card." Such members are reinstated in the same manner as those 
who have been suspended from the Order for non-payment of\ 
assessments or dues. 

324. When a person who has severed his connection with the 
Order, and had issued to him a final card, desires to renew his 
connections, his application for renewal shall be accompanied by 
his final card, or he shall present satisfactory proof of its loss. 
Gen Law 25. 

325. A person once a member of the Order, whose connection 
therewith has been severed so as to annul his Beneficiary Certi- 
ficate, making application for renewal of membership, must pro- 
duce his old Beneficiary Certificate or sworn proof of its loss. 
Gen. Law 28. 






REINSTATEMENT OP MEMBERS AFTER WITHDRAWAL. 

326. A member who has withdrawn from the Lodge and the 
Order, cannot be reinstated by reconsidering the vote accepting 
his withdrawal. He must make application and be admitted un- 
der the general laws of the Order. — See Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII , 
Sec. 13. 

REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBER OF SUSPENDED LODGE. 

327. Under the provisions of Section 13, Article VIII, Supreme 
Lodge Constitution, a member " suspended from the Order" can 
be reinstated by complying with the conditions therein set forth. 
If the Lodge to which he belongs is suspended, so as to prevent 
his being reinstated therein, he does not forfeit his rights to the 
benefits of that Section, but may be reinstated by any other Lodge. 
In such case it would be necessary for him to present a certificate 
from the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder showing the date at which 
he became 44 suspended from the Order" also the assessments of 
his arrearages on beneficiary assessments, at the date of such 
suspension, and that he was otherwise in good standing in the 
Lodge. — Pro. S. X., 7th An. Sess., p. 14 

SUSPENDED MEMBER NOT TO BE REINSTATED EXCEPT IN HIS 
OWN LODGE. 

328. A member suspended for non-payment of assessments can 
not be reinstated in any other Lodge than the one to which he 
belonged at the time of his suspension (except as provided in the 
preceding paragraph.) — Ibid. 






CHAPTER XL 

SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, DUTIES, ETC. 
NAME AND STYLE. 

329. Subordinate Lodges are styled or titled in the following 

form : " Lodge No , of the Ancient Order 

of United Workmen, of. . ."—Sub. L. Const, Art i", 

886.1. 

330. No Lodge hereafter named after a person living will be 
accepted by the Supreme Lodge. — Fro. 5th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 303. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES, NAME AND STYLE OF. 

331. No Subordinate Lodge shall be named after any living 
person. 



70 

MINIMUM OF MEMBERSHIP. 

332. A Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge, shall consist of not less than ten members. 
Sub. L. Const., Art. I, Sec. 1. 

333. Any ten or more persons having the requisite qualifica- 
tions * * * * residing in the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, 
may petition the Grand Master Workman of such jurisdiction 
for a Charter for a Subordinate Lodge. — Gen. Law 2. 

334. Article XI Y, Grand Lodge Constitution, fixing the mini- 
mum, or the least number of persons that can apply for a charter 
at ten, originated with the Supreme Lodge, and was accepted by 
the Grand Lodges. Such Article cannot be altered or amended 
except by the action of the Grand Lodge in accordance with 
Article XI, same Constitution, and the approval of the Supreme 
Lodge.— Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. £., pp. 255, 304, 305. 

335. Note. — The foregoing constitutional provisions and action 
of the Supreme Lodge, make it clear that no Lodge can be formed 
in any jurisdiction, or continue legally to exist, with less than ten 
members. If the membership of a Lodge should be reduced to 
less than, ten, the provisions of No. 21 of Laws Applicable to 
Grand Lodges (See No. 370) would then apply to it, and its char- 
ter would become forfeited as therein provided. 

QUORUM FOR TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS. 

336. Seven members of a Subordinate Lodge, having the Mas- 
ter Workman's degree, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum 
for the transaction of business. — Oen. Law 14. 

337. Note. — The Subordinate Lodge Constitution for Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, requires 
that one of the seven members necessary to constitute a quorum 
shall be either the Master Workman, Foreman or Past Master 
Workman, and a majority of Grand Lodges have adopted the 
same provision. In Pennsylvania, one of these officers is required 
in addition to seven members, making eight necessary to consti- 
tute a quorum. 

STATED MEETINGS. 

338. The stated meetings of Lodges under the immediate jur- 
isdiction of the Supreme Lodge shall be held every week (unless 
special permission be granted by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme 
Master Workman to meet semi-monthly), at the place and on the 
day the Lodge shall appoint, with the approval of the Supreme 
Lodge, and shall not be changed without such approval ; the 
hour of meeting shall be prescribed in the By-Laws. The Lodge 
shall be opened at the time prescribed in the By-Laws, if a quorum 
be present.— Sub. L. Const., Art. Ill, Sees. 1, 2. 

339. Grand Lodges may, when such a course shall be deemed 
beneficial, permit their Subordinate Lodges to meet either once 









71 

in two weeks or semi-monthly, instead of weekly, in which case 
the term of officers must be twelve months instead of six months. 
Laws Ap. to G. L., Sec. 12. 

340. When the regular meeting of a Lodge comes on a legal 
holiday, it may be postponed to a day following, provided it is 
done by a vote of the Lodge, and due notice given to all mem- 
bers. 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

341. The Master Workman shall call special meetings of the 
Lodge, when requested so to do by seven members in writing. 
Sub, L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 1. 

342. Note. — The manner of calling special meetings is subject 
to the control of Grand Lodges, but the above rule has been gen- 
erally adopted. Special meetings are opened and closed accord- 
ing to the form in the ritual for regular meetings, but the "Order 
of Business" is not used; the only business which can be trans- 
acted at a special meeting, being that for which it is specifically 
called. 

343. A special meeting cannot be held, and the regular routine 
of business gone through with, the same as at a regular meeting. 

344. The Grand Master Workman has no authority to grant 
dispensations for a called meeting to confer degrees. 

345. A Subordinate Lodge cannot pass By-Laws or confer the 
degrees of the Order at a special meeting. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. 
S. L.,p. 14. 

MEETINGS ON SUNDAY UNLAWFUL. 

346. It shall be unlawful for the Supreme Lodge, or any Grand 
or Subordinate Lodge, to hold any meetings on Sunday for the 
purpose of organizing, or transacting any of the ordinary busi- 
ness of the Lodge. Neither shall any Lodge, as a Lodge, hold 
any picnic or pleasure excursion on Sunday, nor connect the 
name of the Order or the Lodge by public advertisement with 
any such Sunday picnic or excursion. — Gen. Law 33. 

TERMS OP SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

347. Note. — The semi-annual terms of Subordinate Lodges com- 
mence with the first regular meeting in January and July, and 
end with the last regular meeting in June and December, in all 
jurisdictions except that of Pennsylvania, in which they com- 
mence in December and June and end in May and November. 

RIGHTS AND POWERS. 

348. A Subordinate Lodge cannot he independent of its Grand 
Lodge; but must be under its authority at all times. 

349. No Subordinate Lodge can apply for or receive any cor- 
porate rights or privileges separate from the Grand Lodge, with- 
out permission from the Grand Lodge.— Ibid. 



72 

350. Subordinate Lodges have full power to act for themselves, 
and control their own affairs, provided they keep strictly within 
the Constitution and Laws of the Order, but their action in all 
cases is subject to appeal. 

DISPOSAL OF LODGE FUNDS, ETC. 

351. The funds and properties of a Subordinate Lodge shall 
only be used for charitable purposes and for the advancement of 
the interests of the Order. The donating, or in any manner 
dividing them among members individually, is a violation of the 
trust and of the law. 

PER CAPITA TAX FROM SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

352. Each Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge, shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, semi-annually, as 
dues, twenty-five cents per capita tax for every member on the 
roll. The order for the tax shall be drawn and delivered to the 
installing officer, previous to the installation. — Sub. L. Const, Art. 
XVI, Sees. 1, 2. 

353 Note. — The amount of per capita tax and manner of col- 
lecting are subject to the control of Grand Lodges within their 
jurisdictions. 

BY-LAWS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

354. By-Laws in conformity with the Constitution may be 
made, and from time to time altered or amended, by submitting 
the same to the Lodge in writing, signed by two members of 
the M. W. degree, and having them read at two stated meet- 
ings of the Lodge, previous to being acted upon, when by a 
two-thirds vote they shall be adopted ; provided they do not con- 
flict with the Laws or Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, or the 
Constitution of the Subordinate Lodge, or the principles of tiie 
Order; and provided, also, they be submitted to the Committee 
on Laws and Supervision of the Supreme Lodge, and are ap- 
proved by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. 
Sub. L. Const., Art. XVIII, Sec. 1. 

355. Note. — The constitutional provisions in regard to adopting 
and amending By-Laws for Subordinate Lodges are substantially 
the same in all jurisdictions. In some States amendments are 
required to be read only at one stated meeting previous to being 
acted upon, instead of at two as above. In Pennsylvania they 
are submitted only to the Committee on Laws and Supervision 
for approval, and in Minnesota only to the Grand Master Work- 
man. 

356. Each Subordinate Lodge must adopt By Laws for the gov- 
ernment of the Lodge. 

REPORTS, MONTHLY. 

357. The Recorder shall, on or before the first day of each 
month* notify the Supreme Recorder, or the Grand Recorder, aa 






73 

the case may be, of all rejections of candidates and expulsions of 
members, of the suspending, annulling, or cancelling of Bene- 
ficiary Certificates or reinstatement of the same, and of the date 
of countersigning and recording Beneficiary Certificates of mem- 
bers admitted during the preceding month. — Sub. L. Const. , Art. 
X See. 5. 

358. Note. — The above report is known as the " Monthly Bene- 
ficiary Return." In addition to giving the rejections and expul- 
sions, during the month it is a transcript of the entries in the 
Beneficiary Certificate Book, and shows the status of each mem- 
ber of the Lodge as to his Beneficiary Certificate at the time it 
is made, as well as all changes which have occurred during the 
month. All certificates issued during the month, with date of 
recording the same, reinstatements, with date of same, and the 
suspending, cancelling or transferring of certificates, must appear 
in the report, so that the record of each certificate will be as 
full and accurate in the office of the Supreme or Grand Recorder, 
as in the Subordinate Lodge. 

REPORTS, SEMI-ANNUAL. 

359. At the close of each term the Lodge shall report to the Su- 
preme Lodge the number of initiations, and the names of brothers 
admitted by card, suspended, or expelled, and the cause thereof ; 
rejected and deceased ; a list of all brothers relieved, with the 
amount appropriated for that purpose; and the amount of re- 
ceipts, specifying the fund; the total amount on hand and in- 
vested; and the resuit of the election of officers, according to the 
form furnished by the Supreme Lodge, which report shall be 
properly attested by the Master Workman and Recorder, with the 
seal of the Lodge attached. — Sub. L. Const. , Art. XVI, Sec. 1. 

360. Note. — The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs 
are especially applicable to Lodges under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, but there are similar requirements in 
the Subordinate Lodge Constitution in every jurisdiction, besides 
additional ones in several ot the States. The above may there- 
fore be regarded as of general application. 

ALL BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED IN M. W. DEGREE. 

361. All business in Subordinate Lodges, except conferring the 
Junior Workman and Senior Workman degree, is transacted when 
open in the Master Workman degree. 

VISITING, RIGHT OF. 

362. Any Master Workman degree member in good standing, 
shall have the right to visit any Subordinate Lodge, by proving 
himself in the semi-annual password and the unwritten work oi 
the Order. — Gen. Law 37. 



74 

BEG ALIA, WEARING OF. 

863. A brother must wear the regalia of his rank or station in 
the Order, if the Lodge has such regalia. If the Lodge does not 
have the regalia, then they must admit him. 

364. A Lodge has no right to appear in regalia in a public pro- 
cession without permission from the G. M. W., or a dispensation 
from the D. D. G. M. W. 

MEMBERSHIP IN TWO LODGES UNLAWFUL. 

365. In no case can a person hold membership in two Lodges of 
the Order at one and the same time 

LODGE FUND, HOW DRAWN UPON. 

366. No money shall be paid out of the general fund of any 
Subordinate Lodge, except upon orders drawn upon the Receiver. 
Gen. Law 29. 

LIBRARY FUND. 

367. Any member holding a final card, or one suspended from 
the Order, and who may be reinstated under the provisions of 
Section 13, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, 
shall pay into the Lodge a sum of not less than ten dollars, which 
shall be appropriated to what shall be known as the Library Fund, 
and used for no other purpose than the establishing of a library 
for the use of the members of the Lodge, in accordance with such 
rules and regulations as the Lodge may establish ; or such sum 
may be ordered to be paid into the general fund, by a vote of the 
Lodge.— Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 13. 

368. Note. — As the maintenance of libraries for the improve- 
ment of the members is one of the objects of the Order, Subor- 
dinate Lodges have the right to appropriate money from their 
General Fund to sustaining a library ; or they may set apart a 
specified amount of the dues of each term for that purpose, or 
adopt any other legitimate means for carrying out this important 
object. 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER. 

369. Any Lodge desiring to surrender its charter shall return to 
the Grand Lodge, or the Supreme Lodge, if under its immediate 
jurisdiction, its charters, books, tools, regalia and money in the 
Beneficiary Fund, but may dispose of its library, furniture and 
general fund, should it have any, as a majority of the members 
present at the last regular meeting of the Lodge may determine. 
Gen. Law 34. 

SUSPENSION OF SUBORDINATE LODGE AND FORFEITURE OF 
CHARTER. 9 

370. Any Lodge may be suspended or dissolved, and its charter 
or dispensation forfeited to the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge, 



75 

as the case may be. First. — For improper conduct. Second. — For 
neglecting or refusing to conform to the Constitutions or Laws of 
the Supreme or Grand Lodge, or the General Laws and Regula- 
tions of the Order. Third. — For neglecting or refusing to make 
its returns, or for non-payment of dues, or of assessments for the 
Beneficiary Fund, to the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge, as the 
case may be. Fourth. — For neglecting to hold the regular stated 
meetings as provided by law,unless prevented by some unforeseen 
circumstances. Fifth.— By its membership diminishing so that 
less than a constitutional quorum is left. Provided, that in all 
cases, the charter or dispensation shall not be forfeited until the 
Lodge shall have been duly notified of its offense by the Supreme 
Recorder or the Grand Recorder, as the case may be, and suitable 
opportunity given to answer the charges made against it. — Laws 
Ay. to O. L., Sec. 21. 

SUSPENSION FOR CONTEMPT. 

371. An impeached Lodge neglecting or refusing to answer 
within a given time, may be tried and suspended for contempt ; 
provided, that to suspend a Lodge, it shall require a two-thirds 
vote of all the members present who may be entitle to vote. — Ibid, 
Sec. 22. 

SUSPENSION FOR ILLEGAL PRINTING. 

372. Any Lodge which shall cause to be printed for their own 
or others' use, any of the secret work, or withdrawal, clearance 
or trayeling cards of the Order, shall, upon satisfactory proof 
thereof, be suspended and forfeit its charter. — Ibid, Sec. 23. 

[Note. — Ode cards were stricken from the list of prohibited work 
at the 7th Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge ] 

FUNDS AND EFFECTS OF SUSPENDED LODGE. 

373. When a Lodge is suspended or dissolved, it shall be the 
duty of the last Master Workman to deliver up to the Supreme 
Master Workman or the Grand Master Workman, as the case may 
be, or their Deputies, all its funds and effects, except its library, 
furniture and general fund, which shall be disposed of as pro- 
vided by the general laws of the Order; and if any officer or 
member having custody of any part of said property or effects, 
refuses to surrender the same, he may be forever excluded from 
membership in the Order, even if his Lodge be reinstated. — lbid y 
Sec. 24. 

RESTORATION OF FUND AND EFFECTS OF SUSPENDED LODGES. 

374. All funds and effects received by either the Supreme or 
Grand Lodge from a dissolved or suspended Lodge, shall be 
restored in the event of its being reinstated, which reinstatement 
may be done by a majority vote of the Supreme or Grand Lodge, 
as the case may be, at a stated or special session. Provided, 
Grand Lodges may fix a time after which such dissolved or sus- 



76 

pended Lodges shall have no right to said funds and effects. — Ibid, 
Sec. 25. 

STATUS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES WHEN GRAND LODGE IS SUS- 
PENDED. 

375. When a Grand Lodge is suspended for any cause, the Sub- 
ordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction shall, during such suspen- 
sion, be under the control of the Supreme Lodge, subject to the 
laws governing Subordinate Lodges under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge.— Gen. Law 35. 

MEMBERS OF DEFUNCT LODGES. 

376. A member of a defunct Lodge who was in good standing 
at the time of its dissolution, may be admitted into another Lodge 
after having applied to and received from the Supreme Lodge or 
Grand Lodge, as the case may be, a card signed by the Supreme 
Master Workman or the Grand Master Workman, and attested by 
the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, with the seal attached, 
and countersigned by the member. The application for such 
card must be accompanied by the fee of two dollars ; the card to 
hold good for six months. The member holding the card must 
notify the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, as the case may 
be, of his address, and must forward his assessments for the Ben- 
eficiary Fund whenever notified, as required by the beneficiary 
laws of the Order. He must, before the expiration of six months, 
deposit said card with some Subordinate Lodge, if there be one 
in the district in which he resides, but if he be refused admission 
to membership on said card, the Supreme or Grand Lodge issuing 
said card, shall renew it. — Gen. Law 36. 

377. Any member of a defunct or suspended Lodge is entitled 
to apply for and receive a card from the Grand Recorder, if at the 
time of the suspension of the Lodge such member was in good 
standing, but, as by the provisions of Section 11, of Article VIII, 
Supreme Lodge Constitution, a member who is more than three 
months in arrears for beneficiary assessments cannot have his 
Beneficiary Certificate reinstated until he has passed a new medi- 
cal examination and been accepted by a majority vote of the 
Lodge, it follows that the Grand Recorder cannot give a card to 
a member of a suspended or defunct Lodge, if such member be 
at the time over three months in arrears on assessments. A mem- 
ber of a suspended Lodge, who has not within the proper time ap- 
plied for and received a card from the Grand Recorder, stands 
" suspended from the Order" when he becomes six months in 
arrears on beneficiary assessments. — Pro. S. L. 7th An. Sess., p. 14. 

REORGANIZATION OF A LODGE. 

378. If a Lodge has for any reason ceased to exercise its func- 
tions, but has not been suspended by a two-thirds vote of the 
Grand Lodge, as provided for in Section 2 of " Laws Applicable 



77 

to Grand Lodges," and has not members enough in good standing 
to constitute a quorum, it might be admissible to" permit such 
Lodge to resume its functions, by a sufficient number of members 
holding certificates as above (See No. 377), and complying in all 
respects with the requirements of Section 13, Article VIII, 
meeting together under the supervision and control of the Grand 
Master Workman, or his Deputy, passing medical examination, 
balloting for each other, and reorganizing the Lodge in the same 
manner that new Lodges are organized, and subject to the same 
rules and restrictions. Or a new Lodge might be formed, in the 
organization of which, suspended members, as above specified, 
could join, subject to the foregoing requirements. — Pro. S. L. 7ih 
An. Sess., p. 15. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

OFFICERS, ELECTION AND TERM. 

379. The officers of the Lodge shall be a Master Workman, 
Foreman, Overseer, Recorder, Receiver, Financier, Guide, and 
Inside and Outside Watchman, who shall, with their own consent, 
be elected semi-annually, by separate ballot, at the last stated 
meeting in the months of June and December. The retiring 
Master Workman shall take the chair of the Past faster Work- 
man, except at the institution of a new Lodge, when the Past 
Master Workman shall be elected There shall also be three 
Trustees, one of whom shall be elected to serve for the term of 
eighteen months, in such manner as to have two remaining over 
at each election. — Sub. L. Const., Art. VI, Sec. 1. 

380. Note. — In Pennsylvania the election takes place at the last 
stated meeting in May and November. In New York, at the last 
meeting in December only, the officers serving for one year. 

381. Note, — All Subordinate Lodges are required to be officered 
as above, according to the settled laws of the Order and the re- 
quirements of the Ritual. In New York the Guide and Watch- 
man are not elected, but appointed by the Master Workman. 

382. All officers of a Lodge are installed to serve for a certain 
term or until their successors are duly elected and installed. 

383. All officers and representatives hold their positions until 
their successors are duly elected and installed. 

384. In case of a vacancy in office (in Subordinate Lodge), the 
brother filling the vacancy till the end of the term shall be entitled 
to all the honors thereto belonging. 



78 



NOMINATIONS. 



385. Nominations for candidates for elective offices shall be 
made at the stated meeting immediately preceding the election, 
and the presiding officer shall not close the nominations until 
every member present has had an opportunity to speak. A mem- 
ber who is duly qualified may be nominated though he be absent 
from the meeting. — Sab.L. Const., Art. VII, Sec. 1. 

386. No nominations for any office shall be made on the night 
of the election, unless a majority of the Lodge consent thereto; 
and votes polled for members who have not been duly nominated 
shall be cancelled by the tellers. — Ibid, Sec. 2. 

387. Note. — In case of filling vacancies, nominations can be 
made on the night of election. In New York nominations are 
dispensed with entirely. In Tennessee elections take place with 
or without nominations, as the Lodge may at the time determine. 
The rule in regard to the subject in the above Sections, governs in 
Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge, and in all other cases unless Grand Lodges provide 
otherwise. 

MANNER OF CONDUCTING ELECTION. 

388. When an election is held for any officer or officers, the 
presiding officer shall act as judge, and shall appoint two mem- 
bers who have received the Master Workman's degree, to act as 
tellers, who shall assist in conducting the election in a just and 
impartial manner; they shall keep a register of all votes polled, 
and should it appear that there have been more votes polled than 
there are lega4ly qualified voters present, the presiding officer shall 
declare the ballot illegal and void, and direct another ballot to be 
taken immediately; each member voting shall hand his ticket to 
the tellers, giving his name, and the teller shall deposit it in the 
poll— Sub. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 1. 

389 In case there are more than two candidates for the same 
office, neither of whom have received a majority of all the valid 
votes cast for that office, the candidate who received the lowest 
number of votes shall be withdrawn, and another ballot taken, 
continuing in like manner until an election is had. The Financier 
shall furnish the tellers with a list of all members in good stand- 
ing in the Lodge, who are entitled to vote. — Ibid, Sec. 2. 

ONE MEMBER MAY CAST VOTE FOR THE LODGE. 

390. Usage has established that a Master Workman degree 
member may be elected viva voce by the Lodge to cast the vote 
thereof for any office for which there is but one candidate; each 
officer must be elected by a separate ballot, and announced by the 
presiding officer as having received a majority of all the votes cast 
for the office. 



79 

A MAJORITY OP ALL THE VOTES NECESSARY TO ELECT. 

391. In case of a tie vote on the election of officers of a Lodge, 
a new ballot must be held. A. candidate must have a majority of 
all the votes cast before he can be declared elected. 

MASTER WORKMAN HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE. 

392. The Master Workman has the right to vote in the election 
of officers. 

INSTALLATION OP OFFICERS. 

393. Officers of the Lodge who have been duly elected shall be 
installed at the first stated meeting in the months of July and 
January, unless when a vacancy is filled or a Lodge instituted, in 
which case the installation shall take place immediately after the 
election or institution; and any officer who has been duly elected, 
and notified thereof, failing to present himself for installation 
(unless prevented by sickness or other unavoidable occurrence), 
the office to which he has heen elected may be declared vacant by 
the installing officer, and another election ordered forthwith to 
fill the vacancy. — Sub. L. Const., Art. IX, Sec. 1. 

394. Note. — In Pennsylvania, officers are installed at the first 
stated meeting in June and December. In New York, at the 
first meeting in January, to serve during the year. 

395. Note. — It is the duty of an installing officer to see that the 
laws of the Order are conformed to with regard to the officers to 
Deinstalled. Should it appear that a member elected to an office 
is ineligible to the same, or for any reason disqualified from serv- 
ing in it, it would be his duty to declare the office vacant and 
have an election ordered to fill the vacancy, as in the case of an 
officer elect failing to present himself. 

396. Note. — Installing officers represent in installation the au- 
thority of the Supreme or Grand Lodge. In Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, the 
officers are installed by the Supreme Master Workman, or by a 
duly qualified brother deriving legal authority from him; and in 
Subordinate Lodges in Grand Lodge jurisdictions, the officers are 
installed by the Grand Master Workman, or by a member who 
derives legal authority from him. 

INSTALLATION IN SUBORDINATE LODGES UNDER IMMEDIATE JUR- 
ISDICTION OF SUPREME LODGE. 

397. In the absence of a Deputy Supreme Master Workman, 
the officers of a Subordinate Lodge, under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, should be installed by the Past 
Master Workman of the Lodge. The Lodge should forward its 
per capita tax direct to the Supreme Recorder. The key to the 
S. A. P. W. is sent through iJie Recorder of the Lodge to the in- 
stalling officer. — Pro. S. L. 7th An. Sess.,p. 14. 



80 

PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS NOT PERMITTED. 

398. Public installations shall not be allowed until further ac- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge.— Pro. S. L., 6th An. Sess., p. 395. 

INSTALLATION MUST BE AT STATED MEETING. 

399. Special meetings cannot be called to install officers. If 
the District Deputy Grand Master Workman cannot install the 
officers of all the Subordinate Lodges in his district, he can cause 
them to be installed by a Past Master Workman. 

400. Note. — The Subordinate Lodge Constitution in all juris- 
dictions requires the installation of officers to take place at a 
specified stated meeting ; but this provision can, however, be 
changed by the action of any Grand Lodge. 

RELATIVE RANK OF OFFICERS. 

401. The elective officers of a Subordinate Lodge rank in the 
following order : 1. Master Workman; 2. Foreman; 3. Over- 
seer; 4. Recorder; 5. Receiver; 6. Financier; 7. Guide; 8. Inside 
Watchman; 9. Outside Watchman.— See Sub. L. Const., Art. VI, 
also Ritual. 

BONDS OF OFFICERS. 

402. All officers who are required to give bonds, shall present 
the same, duly executed, which shall be approved before such 
officers are installed, except in the case of Supreme and Grand 
Lodge officers. — Gen. Law SO. 

403. The bond of officers shall hereafter contain the following 
clause, to wit : " The Beneficiary Fund, which may come into 
my hands, shall be preserved by me intact, and paid over by me 
as the law of the Order directs, and in no case shall any claim 
which I may have against the Order be settled or plead as an off- 
set against the collection from me of any of said fund by suit on 
this bond." — Gen. Law 31. 

404. Note. — Bonds must be approved by a vote of the Lodge, 
unless the power is given in the By-Laws for their approval in 
some other manner. 

405. No officer of a Subordinate Lodge, who is required to give 
bonds, can be legally installed until after he has presented the 
proper bond, and the Lodge has accepted the same. 

406. An officer of a Lodge re-elected to an office which requires 
him to give bond, must give new bonds. 

OFFICERS TO DEPOSIT MONEY OFFICIALLY. 

407. All officers of the Order who have charge of moneys, shall 
deposit said moneys in their official capacity, and pay out the 
same in like manner. — Gen. Law 28. 



81 

MASTER WORKMAN, ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE OF. 

408. To qualify a member for the office of Master Workman, 
he must have served one term in some subordinate office. — Sub. 
L. Const, Art. VI, Sec. 2. 

409. Note. — The foregoing rule prevails unless Grand Lodges 
shall otherwise provide. 

410. A Past Master Workman of a newly instituted Lodge is 
eligible to the office of Master Workman, for the term ensuing 
his retirement from the Past Master Workman's chair. 

411. Note. — A Master Workman, at the close of his term, is 
eligible to re-election. 

MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF. 

412. The Master Workman shall preside at all meetings of the 
Lodge, preserve order therein, and enfore the laws, rules and 
regulations of the Lodge, and those of the Supreme (or Grand) 
Lodge; decide all questions of order (subject to an appeal to the 
Lodge), act as judge of all elections, and declare the result to the 
Lodge; he shall appoint all committees, unless otherwise ordered 
by the Lodge; he shall sign all orders on the Receiver for such 
moneys as may be ordered by a vote of the Lodge, or required 
by the Beneficiary laws, to be paid; he shall not be entitled to 
vote, except on the election of officers, or on balloting for candi- 
dates; and when the members are equally divide 1 on any ques- 
tion, he shall have the casting vote; he shall open and close the 
Lodge in due form; he shall call special meetings of the Lodge 
when requested to do so by seven members, in writing; on the 
night of his installation he shall appoint three members in good 
standing in the Lodge to serve as a Business Committee, and at 
the last stated meetings in June and December (in Pennsylvania 
May and November) he shall appoint an Auditing Committee, 
which shall consist of three members in good standing, whose 
dutv it shall be to audit the books and examine the accounts of 
the Recorder, Financier, and Receiver, and make their reports, in 
writing, at the next stated meeting. He shall hold all bonds 
given by subordinate officers. He shall also perform such other 
duties appertaining to his office as are enjoined by the laws, rules 
and regulations of the Order. — Sub. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 1. 

413. Note. — The Master Workman is ex officio chairman of the 
Relief Committee (See No. 459.) The provisions of the above 

.Section, so far as they relate to the general duties of the Master 
Workman as presiding officer of the Lodge, have, by their adop- 
tion in all jurisdictions, become general in the Order. With re- 
gard to the calling of special meetings, the time of appointing 
the Auditing Committee, and the specification of their duties, and 
the custody of the bonds of officers, Grand Lodges have exer- 
cised the right of varying and changing the rule. 



82 

414. It is the duty of the Master Workman to take care of the 
Rituals belonging to the Lodge, and to keep them in a safe place, 
where they will be secure from observation. 

415. The Master Workman has the right to vote in the election 
of officers, or on balloting for candidates. On all other questions, 
when the members are equally divided, he shall have the casting 
vote. 

MASTER WORKMAN, ABSENCE OR DISABILITY OP. 

416. In the absence of the Master Workman, the Foreman shall 
preside in his stead. In case of the death, resignation or inability 
of the Master Workman, the Foreman will serve the balance of 
the term, and be entitled to all the honors of the Master Work- 
man. 

417. In the absence of the Master Workman and Foreman for 
the evening, the Overseer will take the chair of the Foreman, and 
a Past Master Workman will take the chair of the Master Work- 
man. Grand Lodges, however, may provide that the Overseer 
shall preside as Master Workman -in the absence of the Master 
Workman and Foreman. 

FOREMAN, DUTIES OF. 

418. The Foreman shall assist the Master Workman in preserv- 
ing order, aid him in conducting the ceremonies, have charge of 
the inner door, and, in the absence of the Master Workman, shall 
preside in his stead, and perform such other duties as are enjoined 
by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. In case of the 
death, resignation or inability of the Master Workman to serve, 
he shall fill his term, at the expiration of which he shall be en- 
titled to all the honors of the Past Master Workman. — Sub. L. 
Const, Art X, Sec. 2. 

419. Note. — The general rule that vacancies shall be filled in the 
manner of the original selection^ does not apply in the case 
of the Master Workman's chair, unless so provided by Grand 
Lodges. By the above Section that chair may be said to never 
become vacant ; because in case of the death, resignation or dis- 
ability of the brother who has been elected and installed, the Fore- 
man at once becomes Master Workman by virtue of his office 
without installation, except that which he has already had as Fore- 
man, which includes in it the duties of Master Workman in case 
of such contingency arising. There is, therefore, but one election 
and installation of a Master Workman in a term, no matter how 
many changes take place. Whenever the Foreman becomes Mas- 
ter Workman as above provided, the Foreman's chair becomes 
vacant, and an election is held to fill it, and the brother elected 
must be installed as Foreman ; but there is no election or installa- 
tion of Master Workman except the regular election and installa- 
tion for the term. 



83 

420. Note. — The Foreman is ex officio a member of the Relief 
Committee (See No. 459.) 

421. The Foreman should allow no brother to leave the hall 
without the consent of the Master Workman, or to enter the 
Lodge room or retire from it, during the opening, initiatory or 
closing ceremonies, the reading of the minutes, or when confer- 
ring degrees. When requested by the Master Workman, he will 
take the station of that officer and confer the degrees. 

OVERSEER, DUTIES OP. 

422. The Overseer shall perform such duties as are required of 
him by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and, in the 
absence of the Foreman, shall fill his place. — Sub. L. Const., Art. 
X, Sec. 4. 

423. Note. — The Overseer is ex officio a member of the Relief 
Committee. (See No. 459.) 

424. Note. — By the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, the presence of 
the Master Workman, the Foreman, or a Past Master Workman 
is necessary to a quorum. This excludes the Overseer as a pre- 
siding officer. In jurisdictions where this provision exists, the 
Overseer is not entitled to take the Master Workman's chair in 
the absence of the Master Workman and Foreman ; but there is 
nothing in the general laws of the Order to prevent Grand Lodges 
from establishing a different rule and making it his duty to pre- 
side in their absence. 

425. It is the duty of the Overseer to assist the Master Work- 
man and Foreman in preserving order ; to take charge of and 
arrange the tools of the Lodge during its sessions ; to see that 
members are propeily instructed in the signs of the Order; and, 
when requested by the Master Workman, to take his station and 
confer the Junior Workman's degree. 

RECORDER, DUTIES OP. 

426. The Recorder shall keep accurate minutes of the proceed- 
ings of the Lodge, which he shall record in a book provided for 
that purpose; he shall attest all orders drawn on the Receiver, 
make out the semi-annual report of the work and business of the 
Lodge for the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge, forward the same to 
the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder properly signed and attested, 
with the seal of the Lodge attached ; he shall, on or before the 
first day of each month, notify the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder 
of all rejections of candidates and expulsions of members — of 
the suspending, annulling or cancelling of Beneficiary Certificates, 
or reinstatement of the same, and of the date of countersigning 
and recording BeneficiaTy Certificates of members admitted dur- 
ing the preceding month; he shall conduct the correspondence 
and have charge of the seal and records of the Lodge ; he shall 
notify all applicants who have been elected to membership; he 



84 

shall notify the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder of all transfers of 
membership into or out of the Lodge,' and shall perform such 
other duties as are required of him in the Article on Beneficiary 
Fund, and as are enjoined by the laws, rules and regulations of 
the Order. — Sub. L. Const, Art X, Sec. 5. 

RECORDER, DUTIES OF, ENTRIES ON MINUTES. 

427. The Financier's report, each meeting night, of beneficiary 
moneys received by him and paid over to the Receiver, shall be 
entered upon the minutes. — Sup. L. Const., Art VIII, Sec. 16. 

428. When the Beneficiary Fund on hand in a Subordinate 
Lodge is forwarded to the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, a record 
thereof shall be entered upon the minutes. — Sup. L. Const. , Art. 
VIII, Sec. 8. 

RECORDER, DUTIES OF— CERTIFICATE REGISTER BOOK. 

429. When the Financier of a Subordinate Lodge receives ar- 
rearages from beneficiary assessments, as provided for in Sections 
10, 11, 12 and 13, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, and notifies the Lodge of the same, the Recorder shall 
note the same in the minutes of the Lodge, and mark the certifi- 
cate so paid as renewed on the Certificate Register book, affixing 
the date thereto. — Sup. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

RECORD KR, DUTIES OF — EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

430. It shall be the duty of Recorders of all Subordinate Lodges 
to send to the Supreme or Grand Recorder under whose jurisdic- 
tion they may be, with their monthly returns, the names of all 
brethren expelled from the Order for any cause whatever ; and 
immediately upon receiving from the Supreme or Grand Recorder 
a list of members expelled from the Order, they shall enter the 
same in alphabetical order in a book provided for that purpose. 
Gen. Law 32. 

RECORDER, DUTIES OF — SENDING NOTICES. 

431. When a member holding a final card, or one who has been 
suspended from the Order, is reinstated under the provisions of 
Section 13, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, 
the Recorder shall immediately notify the Grand or Supreme Re- 
corder, as the case may be, of the reinstatement of such member 
and renewal of his Beneficiary Certificate. — Sup. L. Const, Art 

VIII, Sec. 13. 

432. Note. — The Recorder being required to conduct the corres- 
pondence of the Lodge (Sub. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 5), it is his 
duty to forward to the Supreme or Grand Recorder, the notice of 
the death of a brother required by Section 8, of Article VIII, Su- 
preme Lodge Constitution, and all other required notices and 
reports not otherwise specially provided for. 



85 

RECORDER, DUTIES OF— ASSESSMENT NOTICES. 

433. It is the duty of the Recorder, immediately after receiving 
the monthly report of suspensions from the Financier, to make 
out and forward to the Grand Recorder the monthly return notice. 
This should be accompanied (if there be a call due) by a draft 
from the Receiver for the Beneficiary Fund, and the required ex- 
cess. 

RECORDER, DUTIES OF — MONTHLY RETURNS. 

[See No. 357] 

RECEIVER, DUTIES OF. 

434. The Receiver shall receive from the Financier all moneys 
received from the Lodge, giving his receipt therefor ; pay all or- 
ders drawn on him by the Master Workman, attested by the Re- 
corder. He shall keep a regular and correct account of all 
moneys received and paid by him. He shall keep a separate and 
distinct account of the Beneficiary Fund, and shall immediately 
upon the receipt of notice through the Lodge from the Supreme 
Recorder, forward a draft, payable to the order of the Supreme 
Receiver, or otherwise as the Lodge may determine, for the 
amount of the Beneficiary Fund ; a receipt from the Supreme 
Receiver through the Supreme Recorder for the fund so for- 
warded, an excess required on each assessment, shall be his 
voucher to the Lodge. When two or more notices are received 
by the Lodge at the same time, he shall forward in accordance 
with the Article on the Beneficiary Fund, Section 8. (See No. 
275.) He shall have his accounts ready for settlement on the last 
stated meetings of June and December (in Pennsylvania, May and 
November), and shall, at the expiration of his term of office, de- 
liver to his successor all moneys, books, papers and vouchers in his 
hands. Before entering on the duties of his office, he shall give 
to the Lodge his bond, with approved security, for such amount 
as the Lodge may deem satistactory, for the faithful performance 
of his duty. — Slid. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 6. 

435. Note. — The provisions of the above Section are applicable 
to Receivers of Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of Grand 
Lodges, substituting the word * ''Grand " for " Supreme " wherever 
it occurs. 

RECEIVER, DUTIES OF— BENEFICIARY FUND. 

436. It is the duty of the Receiver of the Subordinate Lodge to 
forward the Beneficiary Fund on hand to the Grand Recorder, (or 
if the Lodge is under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, to the Supreme Recorder,) immediately upon the Lodge 
being duly notified of an assessment. — Sup. L., Const., Art. VIII, 
Sec. 8 and 16. 

437. Upon the payment of each assessment notice, the Subor- 
dinate Lodge (by its Receiver) shall forward to the Grand Recorder 



(or if the Lodge is under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge, to the Supreme Recorder), in addition to the Ben- 
eficiary Fund, the sum of fifty cents, which shall be placed in the 
Supreme (or Grand) Lodge General Fund. — Sup. L. Const., Art. 
VIII, Sec. 16. 

438. Note. — Grand Lodges have the power to make the sum to 
be sent in addition to the Beneficiary Fund, less than fifty cents. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF. 

439. The Financier shall keep a full and correct account be- 
tween the Lodge and each member; receive all moneys for the 
Lodge, and pay the same to the Receiver before the close of 
each meeting, taking his receipt therefor; he shall notify all mem- 
bers in arrears to the amount of three months* dues, and when a 
member is in arrears to the amount of six months 7 dues, he shall 
notify the Master Workman of the fact ; he shall, at the time of 
election of officers, furnish the Master Workman with a list of 
members of the Lodge in good standing and entitled to vote ; he 
shall make out the semi-annual returns of the finances of the 
Lodge ; he shall make out the report for the semi-annual tax due 
by the Lodge to the Grand or Supreme Lodge ; he shall perform 
such duties as are required of him in the Article on Beneficiary 
Fund, and at the end of each term he shall furnish the Recorder 
with a list of all members and their standing in the Lodge ; and " 
perform such other duties as are required by the laws, rules and 
regulations of the Order. He shall give bond in such sum as the 
Lodge may deem necessary, for the faithful performance of his 
duties. — Sub. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 7. 

440. Note.— Except as to keeping accounts with the members, 
and the duties prescribed by the Beneficiary Laws of the Order, 
Grand Lodges may add to or vary the duties above enumerated 
for the Financier. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF — ASSESSMENT NOTICES. 

441. When notice of an assessment has been received by a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, it shall be the duty of the Financier to send out 
to the members written notices of assessment, not later than the 
8th day of the month in which the notice was issued by the Su- 
preme (or Grand) Recorder. — Sup. L. Const. , Art. VIII, Sec. 8. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF —ASSESSMENT BOOK. 

442. The Financier of each Subordinate Lodge shall keep a 
book wherein all assessments of the Beneficiary Fund shall be 
entered against each member holding a valid certificate; such 
entry shall be made bearing date of the first meeting night, and 
not later than the 8th day of the month in which said notice was 
received.-— Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 



87 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF — RECEIPT OF ARREARAGES. 

443. The Financier shall, upon the receipt of any arrearages 
from beneficiary assessments, as provided for in Sections 10, 11, 
12 and 13, of Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, 
pay the same into the Beneficiary Fund (said amount from arrear- 
ages to be forwarded to the Supreme or Grand Recorder upon the 
first order on said fund thereafter,) and notify the Lodge of the 
same.— Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF— BENEFICIARY MONEYS. 

444. The Financier of the Subordinate Lodge shall pay over to 
the Receiver, each meeting night, all beneficiary moneys, taking 
his receipt therefor, and make report thereof in writing, which 
shall be entered on the minutes.— Sup.L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 16. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF — NAMES OF BROTHERS IN ARREARS. 

445. On the third (weekly) meeting night following the issuing 
of assessment notices, and on or before the 28th day of the month, 
the Financier shall furnish the Lodge with the names of the mem- 
bers who are in arrears on beneficiary assessments, and the Re- 
corder shall place the same on the minutes of the Lodge, and 
mark such certificates as suspended on the Certificate Register 
Book, affixing the date thereto. — Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 9. 

FINANCIER, DUTIES OF— BENEFICIARY FUND TO BE KEPT 
SEPARATE. 

446. Note. — The Beneficiary Fund is, by the laws of the Order, 
to be kept separate and distinct from any other fund. It is there- 
fore the duty of the Financier to take from the Receiver separate 
receipts for Beneficiary Funds and general funds, and in all re- 
spects to keep the accounts of said funds separate and apart from 
each other. 

GUIDE, DUTIES OF. 

447. The Guide shall have charge of the regalia and other 
properties of the Lodge, and perform such other duties as per- 
tain to his office. — Sub. L. Const, Art. X, Sec. 8. 

448. It is the duty of the Guide to see that all members are 
qualified to sit in the Lodge, and are clothed in appropriate re- 
galia; that the Watchmen are in their proper places and duly in- 
structed in their duties; to prepare and conduct candidates and 
introduce visitors; and to have charge of the regalia and tools of 
the Lodge. 

WATCHMEN, DUTIES OF. 

449. The Watchmen shall perform such duties as are required 
of them by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. — Sub. 
L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 9. 



88 

INSIDE WATCHMEN, DUTIES OF. 

450. It is the duty of the Inside Watchmen to receive and 
report to the Foreman the name of each member applying for 
admission, with the name and number of his Lodge, before re- 
ceiving the **** **** ; and to communicate to the Outside Watch- 
man such instructions as may be from time to time directed by the 
Master Workman. 

OUTSIDE WATCHMAN, DUTIES OF. 

451. It is the duty of the Outside Watchman to take charge of 
the outer door and reception room; to see that none enter who 
are not members and duly qualified ; to use every precaution to 
prevent persons who are not members of the Order from obtain- 
ing unlawful information; to never allow more than one brother 
to enter at a time; and to see that each brother clothes himself in 
appropriate regalia before he applies for admission at the inner 
door. 

TRUSTEES, DUTIES OF. 

452. The Trustees, unless otherwise provided by Grand Lodges, 
shall have the general supervision of the land and other property 
of the Lodge; they shall invest in such securities as the Lodge 
may direct, such sums as are ordered to be drawn from the Re- 
ceiver for that purpose, and deposit the vouchers with the Re- 
ceiver; they shall have the custody of all securities of the Lodge 
for money loaned or invested; they shall collect or realize all such 
sums when so directed by the Lodge; they shall collect all inter- 
est, rents, and other moneys arising from all investments belong- 
ing to the Lodge, and pay the moneys collected by them to the 
Financier; they shall, at the last stated meeting at the close of 
every term, report their transactions to the Lodge and make an 
inventory of all properties of the Lodge. Before entering upon 
the duties of their office, they shall each give bond, with approved 
security, for such sums as the Lodge may require, for the faith- 
ful performance of their duties. — Sub. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 10. 

PAST MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OF. 

[See Chapter XVI.] 

VACATING OFFICE BY ABSENCE. 

453. If any officer shall absent himself from three stated meet- 
ings of the Lodge (unless prevented by sickness or some other 
unavoidable occurrence) the Master Workman may declare his 
office vacant. — Sub. L. Const., Art. XIII, Sec. 1. 

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE. 

454. Any officer may be removed for inattention to his duties, 
or conduct unbecoming an officer of the Order. — Sub. L. Const. y 
Art. XIII, Sec. 2. 









89 

VACANCY IN OFFICE, HOW FILLED. 

455. Vacancies occurring (except as provided in Note to No. 
419) by reason of death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled 
in the manner of the original selection, to serve the remainder of 
the term; but in case of a vacancy in office, nominations, elec- 
tion and installation may take place at the same meeting of the 
Lodge.— Sub. L. Const., Art. XIII, Sec. 2. 

OFFICERS, SUSPENSION OF. 

456. Officers of the Grand or of Subordinate Lodges, are liable 
to suspension for non-payment of dues or assessments, the same 
as other members. 

COMMITTEES, HOW APPOINTED. 

457. The Master Workman shall appoint all committees, unless 
otherwise ordered by the Lodge. — Sub. I. Const., Art. X> Sec. 1. 

BUSINESS COMMITTEE, DUTIES OF. 

458. The Business Committee shall serve for the term of six 
months, and it shall be their duty to correspond with the different 
Lodges, to ascertain where members are out of employment, and 
where vacancies are to be filled; to do all in their power to find 
employment for those who are without it; they shall report 
weekly to the Lodge all such vacancies, and members of the 
Order who are out of employment ; also the members for whom 
they have procured employment during the week. All members 
who are out of, and desire employment, should notify the Busi- 
ness Committee to that effect. — Sub. L. Const. , Art. X, Sec. 11. 

RELIEF COMMITTEE, OF WHOM CONSTITUTED, AND DUTIES OF. 

459. The Master Workman, For3man and Overseer, shall con- 
stitute the Relief Committee, of which the Master Workman 
shall be the Chairman. Their duties shall be to visit sick and 
disabled members of the Lodge, and report at each stated meet- 
ing the condition of such members, and in such cases as they may 
deem necessary, they may suggest to the Lodge such pecuniary 
assistance as they believe is needed. — Sub. L. Const., Art. X, Sec. 12. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

AGE OF APPLICANTS. 

460. No person shall be admitted to membership in the Order 
except he be of the full age of twenty-one years, and under fifty 



90 

years of age, at the time of receiving the Master Workman's de- 
gree. — Gen. Law 1. 

461. Note. — The date at which a person becomes fifty years of 
age is ascertained by adding fifty years to the date of his birth. 
Thus, a person born May 1st, 1828, is on May 1st, 1878, fifty 
years of age, and ineligible to membership. 

462. A member admitted to the Order, who at the time is over 
the prescribed age, must be excluded therefrom, his admission 
being illegal and void. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

463. No person shall be admitted to membership in the Order, 
except he be a free white male of the full age of twenty-one years, 
and under fifty years of age at the time of receiving the Master 
Workman's degree, of good moral character, competent to earn 
a livelihood for himself and family, and a believer in the existence 
of a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe. 
Gen. Law 1. 

464. A person who has lost his right arm is not therebjr disqual- 
ified from becoming a member of the Order. — Pro. 1th An. Sess. 
S. L. 

MODE OF MAKING APPLICATION. 

465. Applications for membership shall be made in writing,and 
signed by the applicant, stating his age, occupation and residence; 
and the applicant must be recommended by two members of the 
Lodge in good standing. (See Form No. 1.) — Sub. L. Const., Art. 
II, 'Sec. 2. 

FEE AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATE TO ACCOMPANY APPLICATION. 

466. Each application must be accompanied by the amount 
required by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the application 
is made, and by the certificate of a regular physician in the 
required form. — See Ibid. 

MEDICAL EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATE. 

467. Each application for membership must be accompanied 
with the certificate of a regular physician, in manner and form as 
directed by the Supreme Lodge. (See Form No. 2.y— Sub. L. 
Const., Art. II, Sec. 2. 

468. Note. — The above requirement being contained also in Sec- 
tions 2 and 3, of Article VIII, Supreme Lodge Constitution, which 
Article is binding upon the whoje Order, is therefore of general 
application, as are also all the decisions of the Supreme Lodge on 
the subject. The Supreme Lodge law does not expressly require 
the election of a Medical Examiner in each Lodge, but the general 
usage and Grand Lodge laws requiring such ele'ction have been 
recognized by the Supreme Body. 



91 

469. An application cannot be read and referred to a committee 
without the Medical Examiner's certificate. 

470. Note. — The Medical Examiner's certificate to the fact that 
the applicant is or is not, in his opinion, physically qualified for 
membership, should in every case be read in the Lodge ; and if 
any member call for the reading of the entire certificate, his 
request should be granted. 

MEDICAL EXAMINERS. 

471. In cases where it is impracticable for the Medical Exami- 
ner to act, Lodges may accept examinations made by regular 
physicians who are not members of the Order, but great care 
should be exercised in the matter. 

472. The physician finding an applicant physically disqualified 
for membership, should report the same to the Lodge, and an 
entry of the rejection placed upon the records, and the Grand 
Recorder notified of the fact and cause. 

473. Subordinate Lodges may elect more than one examin- 
ing physician, but they must be members of the Order (if prac- 
ticable). 

474. Medical Examiners must be physicians duly qualified to 
practice their profession under the laws of the State. 

COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION, ETC. 

475. The application shall be read at a stated meeting of the 
Lodge, entered on the minutes, and referred to a committee of 
three, whose duty it shall be to inquire and report at the next 
stated meeting of the Lodge, as to the character and fitness of the 
applicant to become a member. — Sub. L. Const., Art. II, Sec. 2. 

476. Note, — In some jurisdictions the report of the committee 
of investigation is to be made at the second stated meeting after 
the application is read, instead of at the first. By general usage, 
the Lodge can grant the committee further time to report, if it be 
asked for and sufficient reasons given. 

477! A brother who recommends an applicant for membership, 
should not be one of the Committee of Investigation in the appli- 
cation. 

478. A majority of the Committee of Investigation can report 
on an application. 

479. The Committee of Investigation must have placed in their 
hands both the application for membership and the physicians' 
certificate. They must each be satisfied as to the correctness of 
the signature to the application, and that the party therein named 
is the person designated in the physician's certificate in their pos- 
session. They shall fully convince themselves from personal 
observation and inquiry, both as to the moral standing and habits, 
before endorsing the application, and shall be fully satisfied with 
the recommendation of the physician before endorsing the same. 



92 

480. A brother presented his card for admission to membership,, 
and a committee was appointed on the application. The Deputy 
Grand Master Workman granted a dispensation allowing the 
committee to report that night. The committee refused to report 
until the next regular meeting, whereupon the Lodge voted to 
fine the committee fifty cents each. The committee appealed 
from the action of the Lodge. The Grand Master Workman sus- 
tained the appeal, and his decision was approved by the Grand 
Lodge. 

UNFAVORABLE REPORT. 

481. If the report of the committee be unfavorable, the candi- 
date shall be declared rejected. — Sub. L. Const. , Art. II, Sec. 2. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BALLOT. 

482. No applicant can be received unless the application (blank 
form prescribed) is signed by the applicant, accompanied by the 
certificate of the Medical Examiner, and not until the Investigat- 
ing Committee appointed by the Lodge have reported favorably 
and signed the report. A record of these facts should be made 
on the minutes. It is also incumbent on the committee to see that 
the application and Medical Examiner's certificate are in proper 
form, and also to investigate fully as to the fitness of the appli- 
cant to become a member both morally and physically ; and the 
Master Workman and the Recorder through whose hands all 
papers must pass, are required to see that the provisions of the 
law are strictly complied with before a ballot is taken. — (Order of 
S. W. W., approved by S. L.)—Pro. 6th An. Sess., pp. 343, 362. 

BALLOTING ON APPLICATION. 

483. If the report be favorable, the applicant shall be balloted for. 
If the report be unfavorable, he shall be declared rejected. If a 
ballot is taken and the balls are all white, or only one black ball 
appears, the applicant shall be declared elected. If there shall 
appear two or more black balls, the applicant shall be declared 
rejected, and no other balloting for the same applicant shall take 
place for the space of six monuis thereafter, unless the objectors 
shall withdraw their objection, in which event another ballot may 
be taken after notice thereof shall have been given at one stated 
meeting preceding. — Sub. L. Const., Art. II, Sec. 2. 

484. Note. — The Supreme Lodge Constitution, Article VIII, 
Section 11, requires that a brother in arrears on beneficiary assess- 
ments for more than three months, must be again examined by 
the Medical Examiner of the Lodge before reinstatement. The 
same rule will apply in the above case. If more that three 
months have elapsed a new examination is required before 
another ballot can take place. 

NEW BALLOT. 

485. After a favorable ballot has been had, and before the con- 
ferring of the Junior Workman degree, another ballot shall be 



w 

taken at the request of any member of the Lodge, made to the 
Master Workman or in open Lodge. 

486. If, in balloting for a candidate, there should appear two or 
more black balls, and there is good reason to suppose a mistake 
has been made, another ballot may be taken, on a vote of the Lodge, 
provided it is done immediately after the first, and before any 
member has left the Lodge room. 

FORM OF TAKING BALLOT. 

487. In balloting for candidates the Guide shall prepare the bal- 
lot box, and pass the same to the Master Workman, who, after 
inspection of the same, casts his ballot. The Guide shall then 
pass the box to the Foreman, who casts his ballot under the sign, 
after which the Guide shall place the ballot box on the altar (but 
in no case shall the ballot box be placed upon the Bible), and the 
remaining officers and members shall proceed to cast their votes 
as follows : Commencing at the right hand of the Master Work- 
man, with the Recorder, proceed each in turn until all have cast 
their ballots, each casting his ballot under the Master Workman's 
sign. After all have voted the Master Workman will declare the 
ballot closed. The Guide will then carry the box to the Foreman 
for inspection, who will announce to the Master Workman that 
'•the ballot is in favor of the applicant," or "not in favor 
of the applicant." The Guide will then proceed with the box to 
the Master Workman, who will inspect the same, and declare the 
candidate elected or rejected. 

WHEN BALLOT MAY BE TAKEN. 

488. It is not imperative that a ballot be taken immediately 
upon the report of the Investigating Committee. Subordinate 
Lodges may provide in their By-Laws that balloting for candi- 
dates shall take place only on a certain designated meeting night 
of each month. 

RIGHT TO USE BLACK BALL. 

489. A brother has a perfect right to use a black ball without 
giving his reasons in open Lodge. It is a brother's right to vote 
a secret ball ballot, so designed that the vote of one member 
shall not influence that of another, but that every one should vote 
according to the dictates of his own conscience, free from all ex- 
ternal influence. 

490. The Master Workman has no right to question the pre- 
rogative of members in balloting for candidates, if the members 
are in good standing. (This decision was given in reply to the 
question, " If the Committee of Investigation report favorable,and 
each one afterwards casts a black ball, can the Master Workman 
declare their action illegal and the result out of order?") 



94 

RESIDENCE OP APPLICANTS. 

491. No person shall be permitted to join a Lodge of this Order 
out of the State, District or Territory wherein he resides, except 
by permission of the Supreme Lodge or the Grand Lodge, as the 
case may be, having jurisdiction in such State, District or Terri- 
tory, or, during the vacation of the Supreme or Grand Lodge, the 
permission of the Supreme Master Workman or Grand Master 
Workman. — Gen. Law 13. 

492. Note. — The above is the only general law on the subject. 
The word " District" does not apply to districts composed of 
counties, etc., under a Grand Lodge. The various Grand Juris- 
dictions regulate the matter within their limits. The general rule 
is, that an applicant must be initiated in the Lodge nearest to his 
place of residence, unless the consent of such nearest Lodge be 
given to his being initiated in some other Lodge. Grand Lodges 
do not all adopt the rule precisely in this form, but it may be re- 
garded as the general law to be followed, unless some other rule 
is specifically laid down by a Grand Lodge. 

NOTIFYING OTHER LODGES OP APPLICATION. 

493. Note. — On this subject there is no general law. It is regu- 
lated by the different Grand Jurisdictions. 

FORFEITURE OF PROPOSITION FEE. 

494. An applicant who has been elected shall be notified of his 
election by the Recorder within six days thereafter, and should 
he fail or neglect to present himself for initiation or admission for 
four stated meetings of the Lodge, after being duly notified of his 
election (unless prevented by sickness or some other unavoidable 
occurrence), he shall forfeit his proposition fee. — Sub. L. Const. , 
Art. IT, Sec. 3. 

495. Note. — The above provision, as to time of forfeiture, is 
found in the Subordinate Lodge Constitutions in all jurisdictions. 
In some, the notice is required to be given within three days in- 
stead of six. 

RENEWAL OF APPLICATION. 

496. No Lodge other than the Lodge to which application was 
first made, can entertain an application that has once been rejected > 
unless consent be given under the seal of said Lodge. 

WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION. 

497. Note. — There is no general law upon this subject. It is 
regulated by constitutional provisions in some jurisdictions and 
by decisions in others. After an application has been referred to 
a committee, it is the property of the Lodge, and can only be 
withdrawn by consent of the Lodge. In some jurisdictions this 
consent is required to be unanimous; in others a majority vote is 
sufficient to grant it. After an unfavorable report of the commit- 



95 * 

tee an application cannot be withdrawn, as the applicant has then 
been rejected (see No. 483), and must be so declared and reported. 

RETURN OF PROPOSITION FEE. 

498. Should an applicant be rejected, the proposition fee shall 
be returned immediately to the member by whom he was pro- 
posed. — Sub. L. Const., Art. II, Sec. 3. 

499. Note. — The above rule is established in all jurisdictions. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MEMBERSHIP DEGREES OF THE ORDER. 

DEGREES. 

500. Note. — There are three membership degrees in the Order 
those of Junior Workman, Senior Workman and Master Work- 
man. The conferring of the first of these constitutes initiation of 
a candidate ; the other two are steps in his advancement to full 
membership. Nothing is done by Lodges in the Junior and Senior 
Workman degrees except the conferring of those degrees; all the 
business of the Order is transacted in the Master Workman de- 
gree. The Past Master Workman degree is conferred only on 
those who have passed the Master Workman's chair (except at the 
institution of new Lodges, etc.) The Degree of Honor is separate 
from the regular Lodge degrees, and is open to members of the 
Master Workman degree, their wives and daughters. Provisions 
relating to the Past Master Workman degree will be found in 
Chapter XVI, and those relating to the Degree of Honor in Chap- 
ter XV. 

WHEN DEGREES MAY BE CONFERRED. 

501. The several degrees of the Order shall be conferred at the 
stated meetings of the Lodge, and not more than one degree shall 
be conferred on any member at the same meetiiyj without author- 
ity, by a dispensation, for each additional degree conferred. — Sub. 
L. Const., Art. F, Sec. 1. 

502. Note. — The power of the Supreme Master Workman and 
his Deputies to grant dispensations for the conferring of more 
than one degree on a member at the same meeting, in Lodges un- 
der the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, is implied 
in the above section. In Grand Jurisdictions the power of grant- 
ing such dispensations is regulated by the Grand Lodges, and is 
usually conferred upon District Deputy Grand Master Workmen. 



96 

DISPENSATIONS TO CONFER DEGREES. 

503. Dispensations to Lodges to confer all three of the degrees 
upon one and the same candidate at one session of the Lodge, can 
only be granted in special cases. Privilege to do so in all cases 
for any specified time cannot be granted. 

FEE FOR DISPENSATION. 

504. There is no law of the Supreme Lodge requiring the pay- 
ment of a fee for a dispensation to confer more than one degree 
upon a brother at one and the same session of the Lodge. Grand 
Lodges may require a fee to be paid in their jurisdiction. — Pro. 
8. £., 7thAn.Se88. t p. 14. 

DEGREES NOT TO BE CONFERRED BY ANOTHER LODGE WITHOUT 
WRITTEN CONSENT. 

505. No Subordinate Lodge shall confer the degrees upon a 
member of another Lodge without the written consent of the 
Lodge to which said member belongs, given under the seal of said 
Lodge. — Gen. Law 12. 

JUNIOR WORKMAN DEGREE MEMBERS. 

506. Junior Workman degree members are subject to the orders 
of the Master Workman in attending sick or disabled members, 
and are liable to a fine for neglect or failure to perform such duty. 
Pro. 5th An. Sess. 8. L. y pp. 262. 305. 

507 Junior Workman degree members are amenable to the 
laws for immoral conduct the same as other members. — Ibid. 

508. Junior Workman degree members are entitled to sit in 
in their own Lodge, when open in the Junior Workman's degree, 
and to participate with the Lodge in funeral and other proces- 
sions. — Ibid. 

509. Junior Workman degree members are entitled to the same 
attention from the Relief Committee and membership as other 
members are, in case of sickness or disability, and should receive 
pecuniary assistance when it is deemed necessary and is suggested 
by the Relief Committee. — Ibid. 

APPLICATION FOR DEGREES. 

510. Any Junior or Senior Workman, of good standing in the 
Lodge, desirous IH: being advanced, shall cause an application to 
be made for his advancement, at a stated meeting of the Lodge, 
when a ballot shall be taken, and if the balls be all white, or not 
more than two black balls shall appear, his application shall be 
granted; if more than two black balls shall appear, his application 
shall be rejected, and another application shall not be entertained 
for the same member for the space of one mouth thereafter. — Sub. 
L. Const. , Art. V y Sec. 2. 

511. Note. — The above Section of the Constitution for Subor- 
dinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 



97 

Lodge has been adopted by a majority or the Grand Lodges, but 
several others provide that after a ballot has been taken, showing 
one or more black balls, "if one or more members rise and give 
satisfactory reasons to the Lodge why the applicant should not be 
advanced, another ballot shall be taken, and if a majority of the 
balls are white, he shall be declared elected; otherwise his appli- 
cation shall be rejected." 

512. Note. — The Ritual in conformity with Section 2, of Article 
VIII, Supreme Lodge Constitution, requires that application for 
the second and third degrees should be made immediately after 
the first has been conferred. 

BALLOT UPON APPLICATION. 

513. Grand Lodges possess the power to provide by their laws 
for but one ballot on applications for degrees; that i3, that the first 
ballot taken on applications will, if favorable,entitlethe applicant 
to all three degrees, unless a subsequent ballot is called for at the 
time the subsequent degrees are to be conferred, when a ballot 
must be taken on the application for each degree. — Pro. Sup. L. 
6th An. Scss.,p. 401. 

FAILURE OP APPLICANT TO PRESENT HIMSELF. 

514. A brother who has received the Junior Workman or Sen- 
ior Workman degrees, and fails to present himself for the Senior 
Workman or Master Workman degree for a period of four weeks, 
forfeits all rights to advancement as well as all moneys paid to 
the Lodge, unless satisfactory excuse be given and accepted by the 
Lodge. 

515. Note. — There is no general law on this subject, but the 
above decision is a carrying out of the rules in Section 2, of Ar- 
ticle II, of the Constitution, in regard to applicants for member- 
ship, and may be regarded as the law by usage in all jurisdictions. 

516. A brother of the Junior or Senior Workman degree who 
fails to take the Master Workman degree within three months, 
must be re-examined before he can be advanced. 

APPLICANTS MUST COMPLY WITH BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 

517. Each member upon making application for third (or Mas- 
ter Workman degree), shall conform to all the requirements set 
forth in the Beneficiary Article governing Subordinate Lodges; 
and no member shall be advanced to third (or Master Workman) 
degree until each and all of said requirements have been fully 
complied with. — Sub. L. Const., Art. IV, Sec. 2. 

[Note. — The requirements referred to in the above Section will 
be found in Chapter VI.] 

UNIFORMITY OF DEGREE WORK. 

518. There is but one mode of initiation or degree work in the 
Order, and all Lodges must be governed thereby. 



CHAPTER XV. 
DEGREE OF HONOR. 

519. Note. — The Degree of Honor is a special degree of the Or- 
der, not belonging to its regular system of degrees, but intended 
to promote union, sympathy and friendship among the wives, 
daughters, mothers and sisters of members of the Order, and to 
recognize them as having interests connected with the Order. 
Every Master Workman degree member in good standing is en- 
titled to the degree upon payment of the required fee. It is not 
to be conferred upon any other persons except such members, and 
those related to them as above specified. 

HOW THE DEGREE MAY BE CONFERRED. 

520. The Degree of Honor may be conferred by the Supreme 
Master Workman or his Deputies, a Grand Master Workman or 
his Deputies, a Past Master Workman or the acting Master Work- 
man of a Subordinate Lodge. A Lodge of the Degree of Honor 
may be called by any of the above named officers, and the degree 
conferred at a special session of a Subordinate Lodge or in a pri- 
vate and secure place suitable for the purpose. — D. of H. Ritual. 

ORGANIZATION OF DEGREE OF HONOR LODGES. 

521. Upon the application of fifteen petitioners, composed of 
Master Workmen in good standing in their respective Lodges,, 
their wives, daughters, mothers and sisters, with the fee of five 
dollars accompanying the same, the Grand Master Workman of 
the jurisdiction in which said petitioners reside, shall cause to be 
issued a dispensation to said applicants to institute a Lodge of the 
Degrees of Honor of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with 
the power to adopt such Constitutions and By-Laws for their gov- 
ernment as do not conflict with the ritualistic work of the degree 
or the general laws of the Order. — D. of H. Ritual. 

522. Note. — The laws of the Order in regard to this subject are 
not very full and explicit. The Supreme Lodge leaves each De- 
gree of Honor Lodge to form its own Constitution and By-Laws, 
which must not be inconsistent with the laws of the Order, but 
provides no means for their examination or approval. If any 
question of conflict with the established rules or laws of the Or- 
der should arise, it should be referred to the proper Deputy of 
the Grand Master Workman or Supreme Master Workman, 
to be settled as other questions of law or usage arisiug in the dis- 
trict or jurisdiction are settled. 

OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES. 

523. Lodges of the Degree of Honor, when duly instituted, 
shall elect or appoint the following officers : Past Worthy Sis- 
ter of Honor, Worthy Sister of Honor, Sister of Honor, Sister 
of Ceremonies, Sister Secretary, Sister Treasurer, Sister Usher, 



First Maid of Honor to Sister of Honor, Second Maid of Honor 
to Sister of Honor. Gentlemen : First Adviser to Worthy Sister 
of Honor, Second Adviser to Worthy Sister of Honor, Inner 
Watchman, Outer Watchman. The duties of the several officers 
shall be such as may be prescribed by the Ritual of this degree, 
and the Constitution and By-Laws as adopted by each Degree of 
Honor Lodge. — B. of H. Ritual. 

ELECTIONS AND APFOINTMENTS. 

524. The elective officers shall be elected on the last regular 
meeting nights of June and December, and shall serve for the 
term of six months, or until their successors have been elected 
and installed. The appointed officers shall be appointed on the 
first regular meeting nights of January and July, and shall serve 
for the term of six months, or until tiieir successors shall have 
been duly appointed and installed. — I), of H. Ritual. 

525. Note. — The designation of the elective officers is not fixed 
by the Ritual, and is therefore to be made in the Constitution 
which the Lodge may adopt 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

526. A Subordinate Lodge has the right to call a special meet- 
ing of the Degree of Honor. 

527. When a Subordinate Lodge calls a special meeting for the 
purpose of conferring the Degree of Honor, the Recorder should 
not enter the proceedings of such meeting on the minutes. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASS-WORD. 

528. The semi-annual pass-word of the Degree of Honor must 
be forwarded to the District Deputy Grand Master Workman, and 
communicated by him the same as other pass- words, when he is 
in possession of the degree. 

REGALIA AND EMBLEMS OF THE DEGREE OP HONOR. 

[See Nos. 479 and 481.] 



CHAPTER XVI. 

PAST MASTER WORKMEN. 

PAST MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OP. 

529. The Past Master Workman shall assist in conducting the 
ceremonies, and perform such other duties as are enjoined by the 
laws, rules and regulations of the Order. — Sub. L. Const., Art. X 
Sec. 3. 



100 

530. It is the duty of the sitting Past Master Workman to ex- 
ercise a supervisory care over the Lodge; to be the counselor and 
advisor of its officers and the brethren; and to attend to the devo- 
tional exercises of the Lodge in person, or have the same con- 
ducted by some suitable brother whom he may call upon to offici- 
ate in his stead. 

ABSENCE OP SITTING PAST MASTER WORKMAN. 

531. If the Past Master Workman of a Lodge is absent from a 
meeting of the Lodge, or in case of his death, resignation or 
removal from office, any Past Master Workman present may 
be designated by the Master Workman to perform tlie duties of 
said, office. In case there be no Past Master Workman present, 
the Master Workman may appoint any Master Workman degree 
member to fill the chair pro tern. — Pro. 3d An. Sess. S. L. y pp. 139, 
140. 

VACATING OFFICE BY ABSENCE. 

532. The Master Workman of a Subordinate Lodge has the 
right to declare vacant any office of a Subordinate Lodge, includ- 
ing that of Past Master Workman, if the Constitution of the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge shall so require or authorize. Should a vacancy 
thus occur in a Lodge during its first term, or in a Lodge where 
there is no Past Master Workman, any Master Workman dt-gree 
member in good standing is eligible to the position, as in the case 
of the temporary absence of the Past Master Workman, when no 
other Past Master Workman is present. The person whose office 
is thus declared vacant in a new Lodge is not entitled to any of 
the rights, privileges or prerogatives appertaining to the position. 
The member filling the vacancy is entitled to all the rights, privi- 
leges or prerogatives pertaining thereto. The giving or accord- 
ing any right, privilege or prerogative to one whose office had 
thus been declared vacant, because of having filled that posi- 
tion, would be void and of no effect. — Pro. 6th An. Sess. S. L.,pA0l. 

533. When a Master Workman, at the close of his term of office, 
is re-elected for the ensuing term, the Junior Past Master Work- 
man does not hold over without an election, but the Lodge must 
fill the position from among the Past Master Workmen of the 
Lodge. 

MASTER WORKMEN WHEN ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES BECOME 
PAST MASTER WORKMEN. 

534. If a Subordinate Lodge, when notified to elect Represen- 
tatives to participate in the formation of a Grand Lodge, or at 
any subsequent election of Representatives, is without the requi- 
site number of Past Master Workmen in good standing, it may 
elect a number sufficient to fill the quota fn m the Master Work- 
man degree members in good standing, who, by virtue of such 
election and service as Representatives, become Past Master 
Workmen. — Laws Ap. to G. £., Sec. 4. 



101 

HOW THE TITLE OF PAST MASTER WORKMAN CAN BE ACQUIRED. 

535. The title of Past Master Workman can be acquired only 
by election to the office of Past Master Workman at the institu- 
tion of a Lodge; by serving a term as Master Workman; by fill- 
ing an unexpired term of M'ister Workman by the Foreman, or 
by the election of a Master Workman Degree member as a Repre- 
sentive to participate in the organization of a Grand Lodge. — Pro. 
lith An. Sess. 8. L , pp 263, 305. 

536. The member elected Past Master Workman at the institu- 
tion of a Subordinate Lodge, and the one elected Master Work- 
man at the same time, and who serves until the end of the term, 
are Past Master Workman in the full sense, and are entitled to all 
the benefits and privileges of Past Master Workman. — Ibid. (See 
Note to No. 133.) 

537. A brother is a Past Master Workman as soon as he passes 
the Master Workman's chair, although he may not have been in- 
stalled as Past Master Workman; but he should be installed if 
possible. 

RIGHTS OF PAST MASTER WORKMEN. 

538. A Past Master Workman who has duly attained such rank 
by election or service, is not deprived of the same by resignation 
of his office. 

539. Note. — A Past officer joining another jurisdiction from that 
in which he attained his rank, is entitled to all its privileges and 
honors in the jurisdiction to which his membership is transferred. 

A MASTER WORKMAN WHO RESIGNS, NOT ENTITLED TO HONORS, 

540. A Master Workman of a Lodge who resigns before the 
end of the term, is not entitled to the honors of a Past Master 
Workman, and is therefore not eligible to election as Representa- 
tive to a Grand Lodge. — Pro. S. X., 7th An. Sess., p. 14. 

A MASTER WORKMAN RE-ELECTED BECOMES A PAST MASTER 
WORKMAN AT CLOSE OP FIRST TERM. 

541. A Master Workman of a Lodge who; at the close of his 
term of office has been re-elected for the succeeding term, becomes 
a Past Master Workman at the end of his first term, and is eligi- 
ble to the office of Representative to the Grand Lodge. — Ibid. 

PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 

542. Each Grand Lodge must confer the Past Master Workman 
degree, without pecuniary consideration, upon a brother in a;ood 
standing, who has legally peformed the duties of Master Work- 
man for one term, or the remainder of a term, in a Subordinate 
Lodge, and upon a brother in good standing who has been elected 
Past Master Workman at the institution of a new Lodge, or in 
case of his death, resignation or removal from office, his succes- 
sor, who shall have served the remainder of the term, and upon 



102 

no other person; provided, that in either case the degree shall not 
be conferred unless he shall have served a majority of the meet- 
ings of the term, or remainder of the term for which he had been 
elected. Grand Recorders, who have served as such for two con- 
secutive years, shall be entitled to all the honors and prerogatives 
of Past Grand Master Workmen, provided their respective Grand 
Lodge may have so determined by a two-thirds vote. — Laws Ap. 
to G.L., JSec. 19. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

BENEFITS TO SICK AND DISABLED MEMBERS, ETC. 
SUBORDINATE LODGES MAY OR NOT PROVIDE FOR SICK BENEFITS. 

543. Any Subordinate Lodge of the Order may, or may not, 
provide in their By-Laws for payment of weekly sick benefits. 
When providing for such payment it must be in accordance with 
the laws enacted by the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge under 
whose jurisdiction such Subordinate Lodge maybe. — Gen.Laio47. 

544. Note. — The above law gives to each Grand Lodge the en- 
tire control of the subject of sick benefits within the limits of its 
jurisdiction. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

545. Any member of the Lodge entitled to benefits by the pro- 
visions of the By-Laws of the Lodge, who, through sickness or 
other disability's unable to follow his usual business, or some other 
occupation, shall be considered a beneficiary member, entitled to 
receive such weekly benefits as the By-Laws prescribe ; provided 
that such member is not in arrears to the Lodge to the amount of 
three months' dues, and that he is a member of the Master Work- 
man's degree,and that his sickness or disability is not of a permanent 
character, or such as docs not prevent other men, similarly afflicted, 
from pursuing their avocations; and provided that his sickness or 
disability has not originated from intemperance, vicious or im- 
moral conduct; and provided he is not disabled by any disease or 
infirmity by which he was afflicted previous to his initiation into 
ttie Lodge; and provided that the Lodge may reduce the benefits 
for a sick brother fifty per cent., -if the Lodge has been paying 
him sick benefits for the space of sick months. Amy member who 
shall be taken sick or disabled while in arrears to the Lodge to 
the amount of three months' dues cannot, bv payment of his 
arrearages, become beneficial during such sickness; nor can a 
brother, while receiving benefits from the Lodge, become in 
arrears, so as to debar him from them, the Master Workman be- 



103 

mg authorized to pay the Financier from the amount drawn for 
his weekly benefits a sum sufficient to prevent his becoming in 
arrears to the Lodge to the amount of three months' dues; nor 
shall a member be entitled to the weekly benefits whiie charges. 
are pending against him. under the penal provisions of the laws; 
but, if after due trial, he shall be acquitted or exonerated, he may 
claim benefits for the time. — Sub. L. Const., Art. XII, Sec. 1. 

546. Note. — The above law is binding only upon Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 
Each Grand Lodge has the right to adopt such law on the subject 
as may be deemed best. Those which have provided for sick 
benefits have adopted substantially the above provisions. 

ATTENTION TO SICK AND DISABLED MEMBERS. 

547. Each member of the Lodge, previous to the stated meeting 
of the Lodge, shall be subject to the orders of the Master Work- 
man in attending to sick or disabled members, and should any 
member fail or neglect to perform such duty, having been noti- 
fied by the Master Workman, he shall, for each neglect or failure,, 
be fined a sum not less than one dollar.— Sub. L. Const, Art. X y 
Sec. 13. 

548. Note. — The above is applicable only to Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

FEES, DUES, FINES, ETC. 
FEES FOR INITIATION AND DEGREES. 

549. The Subordinate Lodge degrees shall not be conferred upon 
any person for a less sum than five dollars for the three degrees. 
Gen. Law 11. 

550. The initiation fee, and fees for conferring the several de» 
grees shall be such an amount as shall be prescribed by the By- 
Laws of the Lodge ; but in no case shall it be less than five dol- 
lars for initiation, two dollars for the Senior Workman and two 
dollars for the Master Workman degree. — Sub. L. Const., Art. IV t 
Sec. 1. 

551. Note. — The above is the rule adopted for Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
but Grand Lodges have the right to fix the fees at any rates they 
see fit, amounting to not less than five dollars for the three de- 
grees. 



104 

552. It is contrary to the spirit of the Order for Subordinate 
Lodges to collude or agree with applicants, that any part of the 
initiation or degree fees shall be donated back to said applicant 
on his initiation in the Order, or at any subsequent time. 

553. It is contrary to the spirit and letter of our laws for any 
Subordinate Lodge to make any arrangement whatever, the effect 
of which will be directly or indirectly to reduce the fees pre- 
scribed by the By-Laws for conferring the degrees. 

DUES 

554. Each member of the Lodge shall pay into the funds there- 
of, as dues, such sums as shall be prescribed by the By-Laws; 
which shall in no case be less than twenty-five cents per month, 
to commence with the date of his receiving the third (or Master 
Workman's) degree. — Sub. L. Const , Art. XI, Sec. 1. 

555. Note. — The above restriction as to the minimum of dues, 
applies only to Subordinate Lodges under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge. The right of Grand Lodges to 
fix such minimum at any amount they consider best, has not been 
brought into question, and may be regarded as established by 
usage. 

TIME OF COMMENCEMENT OF DUES. 

556. Note. — The Supreme Lodge, at its Fifth Annual Session, 
approved a decision of the Supreme Master Workman, that 
t% Junior Workman degree members are chargeable with and 
must pay dues from the date of initiation;" but at the next 
session, adopted the new Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, 
which provides that dues shall commence with the date of the 
member's receiving the third (or Master Workman) degree. This 
changes the rule, of course, as to Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, but leaves it as it 
stood before in the different Grand Jurisdictions — some of which 
provide that dues shall commence from date of initiation, and 
others from time of receiving the Master Workman degree. 

NON-PAYMENT OF DUES, PENALTIES FOR. 

557. Any member who neglects or refuses to pay the dues, as 
fixed by the By-Laws of the Lodge, for the period of three 
months, shall not be entitled to vote, and shall be disqualified 
from holding office. — Sub. L. Const., Art. XI, Sec. 2. 

558. Note. — The above has been adopted as the law on the sub- 
ject in all jurisdictions. 

FEE FOR DEPOSIT OF CARD. 

559. The minimum fee for joining a new or old Lodge by card, 
is two dollars.— (See Gen. Laws 3 and 20, Nos. 472 and 490.) 



105 

FINE FOR NEGLECT OF DUTY TO SICK MEMBERS, 

560. Any member failing to attend a sick or disabled member, 
when notified by the Master Workman to do so, shall be fined a 
sum not less than one dollar. — Sub. L. Coast., Art. X, Sec. 12. 

Note. — The above provision, although only applicable to Sub- 
ordinate Lodge-; under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, has been substantially incorporated in the Subordinate 
Lodge Constitutions in all the jurisdictions. 

FINE OF OFFICERS FOR NON-ATTENDANCE. 

561. Note. — There is no constitutional provision or general law 
on this subject. The By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges usually 
provide for imposing a fine upon officers for failure to attend a 
stated meeting of the Lodge — and their right to adopt such By 
Laws seems to be generally admitted. 

FINE FOIt NON-ATTENDANCE. 

562. A By-Law to compel the attendance of all the members of 
a Subordinate Lodge, under a pecuniary penalty, would be incon- 
sistent with the principles of the Order. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

REGALIA, EMBLEMS, RITUALS, PASS- WORDS, SIGNS, ETC. 
EMBLEM OF THE ORDER. 

563. The combination of the Anchor, Shield and Sun's Rays is 
adopted as the Emblem of the Order. No other is to be used 
upon regalia, or upon printed matter (excepting seals) and it is to 
be recognized as the badge of the Order, but without prejudice 
to the right to use the emblems on the regalia now in use. — Pro. 
Sup. Z., 1th An. Sess., pp. 127, 128. 

BADGE OF THE ORDER. 

564. The badge to be worn by officers and members of the vari- 
ous br mches of the Order shall be of the size and design herein 
described : 

A. circular medal of the diameter of two inches, with the em- 
blem of the Order, (sun's rays, anchor and shield with A. O. U. 
W. thereon ) suspended from a cross-bar \% inches in length, 
which is to be conneeted with a pin-bar 2% inches long and % 
inch in width, by a ribbon 2}£ inches long and \% inches in 
width. Th" pin bar to have the letters C. II. P. displayed thereon. 

For Subordinate Lodyes. — Badge as above described, metal 
white, ribbon scarlet; except P. M. W-, which shall be of yel- 



106 

low metal and blue ribbon. The officers' badges to be distin- 
guished from members' by the appropriate jewel of office sus- 
pended from the pin-bar, in size so as not to touch the medal. 

For Grand Lodges. — Badge as above described, metal yellow, 
ribbon blue; except P. G. M. W., the ribbon for which shall be 
purple. 

For Supreme Lodge. — Badge same as above, metal yellow, rib- 
bon purple. 

Jewels of Grand and Supreme Lodge officers to be suspended 
in like manner as those of Subordinate Lodges. — Pro. Sup. L.,7th 
An. Sess. y p. 154. 

officers' jewels. 

565. For the Supreme Master Workman, square and compass, 
enclosing the letter i4 W;" Supreme Foreman, plumb-bob and 
level; Supreme Overseer, axe and trowel; Supreme Recorder, 
crossed pens; Supreme Receiver, crossed keys; Supreme Guide, 
crossed wands; Supreme Watchman, crossed swords; Past Su- 
preme Master Workman, open Bible.— Pro. 2d An. Sess. S. L. y 
p. 46. 

566. Note. — The jewels for officers of Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges are the same as for officers of the Supreme Lodge. 

SUBORDINATE LODGE REGALIA. 

567. The regalia for Subordinate Lodges shall consist only of 
suitable badges for officers and members, to be worn upon the left 
breast, and all other insignia is abolished; but this is without 
prejudice to the use of the regalia now owned and used.— -Pro. 
& £., 7th An. Sess., pp. 127, 128. 

568. All Subordinate Lodges must procure and use the regalia 
prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, (except as provided in above 
section.) — Pro. S. L., 7th An. Sess. 

SUBORDINATE LODGE REGALIA. 

569. For Members — the badge of the Order; metal white, rib- 
bon scarlet. 

570. For Officers — the same, with the addition of the appropri- 
ate jewel of office suspended from the pin-bar, in size so as not 
to touch the medal. 

571. For Past Master Workmen — the same, except that the 
badge shall be of yellow metal and blue ribbon.— Pro. Sup. L. 
7th An. Sess., p. 154. 

GRAND LODGE REGALIA. 

572. For Members — the badge of, the Order; metal yellow, rib- 
bon blue. 

573. For Officers — the same, with appropriate jewel of office, 
suspended from the pin-bar, as in Subordinate Lodges. For Past 
Grand Master Workmen — the same, except that the ribbon shall 
be purple. —Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L. y p. 154. 



107 

SUPREME LODGE REGALIA. 

574. For Members — the badge of the Order; metal yellow; rib- 
bon purple. 

575. For Officers — the same, with appropriate jewel of office 
suspended from the pin bar as in Subordinate Lodges. — Pro. 1th 
An. Sess. S. L.,p. 154. 

FUNERAL REGALIA. 

576. The regalia for funeral occasions shall be the Lodge re- 
galia with crape on left arm. — Pro. 2d An. Sess. S. L., p. 46. 

577. Note. — At the Fifth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge, 
a black satin badge with the name and number of the Lodge, and 
one or more of the emblems of the Order, was recommended for 
use on funeral occasions. 

PROCESSION REGALIA. 

578. Same as Lodge regalia, according to rank of officers and 
members. 

DEGREE OF HONOR REGALIA. 

579. Sash of purple, §% inches wide, trimmed with gold lace, 
fringed on bottom ends six inches up to uniting point, heart of 
silver bullion on sash at centre of breast. Officers, same, with 
addition ot" five-pointed gilt stars, one above and one below the 
heart. Past officers same, except sash to be trimmed all around 
with gold lace and bullion fringe two inches long. — Ibid. 



COLORS. 



580. The distinguishing color of the Supreme Lodge is Purple; 
that of the Grand Lodge Blue; that of the Subordinate Lodge, 
Scarlet for officers and White for members. — Ibid. 

■ 

;• 



DEGREE OF HONOR EMBLEM. 

581. The Degree of Honor Emblem, for the wives, daughters, 
mothers and sisters of Master Workmen, is a golden heart, bear- 
ing upon one side the inscription "W. W. T. Q. E." and upon 
the other " Talitha Cumi" — Pro. 1st An. Sess. , p. 9. 

WORKING TOOLS OF THE ORDER. 

582. The Working tools of the Order are the Square, the Com- 
passes, the Axe, the Trowel, the Plumb-Bob, and the Level; and 
they must conform to the following description : 

1st. The Square is made of steel, about one-tenth of an inch 
thick; one blade being six inches long by one inch wide; the 
other four inches long by three-quarters of an inch wide ; both 
divided into inches and parts of inches, and properly figured; the 
whole plated with nickel and neatly burnished. 

2d. The Axe is made of steel, with a blade five inches long by 
one and three-quarters inches wide; th^ blade and head nickel- 



■ 



108 

plated, and sides of eye painted red ; handle of wood about twelve 
inches long. 

3d. The Trowel is made of steel, with a blade six inches long, 
by two and a half inches at the widest part ; the blade and fer- 
rule nickel-plated, and shank painted red; handle of wood, about 
four inches long. 

4th. The Plumb-Bob is cast iron, about two and a half inches 
long; one and three-eighth inches at its greatest diameter, and 
painted either black or lead color. 

5th. The Level is cast iron, and consists of a plate six inches 
long, one inch wide and one-fourth of an inch thick, upon which 
is a disc two and one-eighth inches in diameter, and a half inch 
thick, supported by two brackets attached to its circumference 
and the top face of plate; a portion of the upper half of disc is 
cut out, leaving a semi-circular ridge one-fourth of an inch thick; 
and the lower half is made to imitate the ordinary spirit level; 
the bottom and edges of plate are nickel-plated; the top lace and 
brackets painted red, and the disc in imitation of brass or bronze. 
Pro. 5lh An. Sess. S. L. y p. 252. 

PASS- WORDS AND SIGNS. 

583. The Guide should take up the pass- word when about to 
open in the degrees, unless he is satisfied that all present are 
qualified to sit in the Lodge. 

584. A. visiting Master Workman degree member having the 
semi-annual and degree pass-word and signs, is entitled to a 
peat in the Lodge while working in the lower degrees, although 
he may not have the pass-word of the said lower degrees. 

585. The Master Workman is the proper officer to instruct his 
members in the signs and pass-words. 

586. A brother cannot visit a Lodge unless he is in possession 
of the pass-words and signs. 

587. The Master Workman cannot instruct a visiting brother in 
the signs or pass-words, unless the brother has a written order 
under seal of his Lodge, making request of the Master Workman 
to instruct him therein. 

588. Note. — A.t the opening of the Lodge, the Guide first sees 
that the Lodge is properly guarded, after which he communicaus 
to the Master Workman, the semi-annual and the degree pass- 
word, so that the presiding officer may know that he has them 
correctly. He then receives both words from each person in the 
Lodge-room, and makes his report to the Master Workman. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASS-WORD. 

589. The semi-annual pass-word shall be promulgated to all 
Subordinate Lodges at the first stated meetings in January and 
July, or as soon thereafter as the officers may be installed. 



109 

590. A brother is entitled to the semi-annual pass-word so long 
as he is not suspended from the Order. 

591. A. brother three months in arrears for dues is entitled to 
the semi-annual pass-word, if not otherwise disqualified. 

592. The Master Workman of a Lodge cannot communicate 
the semi-annual pass-word on a verbal order. A written order, 
signed by the proper officers and attested by the seal of the Lodge, 
is necessary. 

593. The pass- word should be communicated to Subordinate 
Lodges by the District Deputy Grand Master Workman or in- 
stalling officer, orally, and not by key. — Pro. 7th An. Sess. S. L. f 
p. 150. 

CARE OF THE RITUALS. 

594. The Rituals must not be taken from the Lodge room, but 
the officers of a Lodge may, with the consent of the Master Work- 
man, copy the lectures pertaining to their several offices, for the 
purpose of committing the same to memory; provided proper 
care is taken to keep them from observation, and they are sub- 
sequently returned to the Master Workman and by him destroyed. 

OBLIGATIONS. 

595. The obligations must be used just as they are. They can 
only be changed by the Supreme Lodge. — Pro. Mh An. Seas. 8. L., 
pp. 169, 204. 

ODES, SINGING OF. 

596. Lodges can only sing the Odes which are printed in the 
Ritual.. 

CROSSING THE HALL. 

597. " Crossing the hall," as these words are used in the Ritual, 
means passing between the Law and the Foreman's chair. Mov- 
ing from one end of the hall to the other is not crossing the hall. 



CHAPTER XX. 

NEW LODGES. 

PETITION FOR CHARTER. 

598. Any ten or more persons, having the prescribed qualifica- 
tions, residing in a State, District or Territory, under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, may petition the Su- 
preme Master Workman, or if residing in the jurisdiction of a 
Grand Lodge, may petition the Grand Master Workman of such 
jurisdiction for a Charter for a Subordinate Lodge— Gen. Law 1. 



110 

509. No person can become a charter member of a Lodge unless 
he lias signed the application for charter before the Lodge has been 
instituted. 

Note — The above rule is applicable in all cases unless set aside 
by a dispensation under the following law : 

CHARTER PRIVILEGES MAY BE EXTENDED BY DISPENSATION. 

600. By dispensation, the usual charter privileges may be ex- 
tended to a new Lodge for a period of thirty days next succeed- 
ing its institution ; but all persons applying for membership under 
these privileges, must be subject to the requirements of the laws 
relating to membership. In such case, the Committee of Inves- 
tigation shall report to the Lodge at the meeting at which the ap- 
plication is received, and the Junior Workman, Senior Workman, 
and Master Workman degrees may be conferred on the said appli- 
cants at the same Lodge meeting, and at the minimum fee ; but 
members so received shall be charged with dues from the same 
date as those present at the time of institution. — Gen. Law 49. 



JOINING NEW LODGE BY CARD. 

601. Members of the Order, withdrawing from their Lodge for 
the purpose of starting a new Lodge, may unite in the petition 
for a charter. The cards of such members shall be presented to 
the instituting officer, and by him be deposited in the new Lodge, 
the Recorder of which shall, within one week thereafter, notify 
the Lodge from which the card emanated ; of such deposit. The 
fee for deposit of a card in such case shall not be less than two 
dollars. — Gen. Law 3. 

602. Note.— By General Law 20 (see No. 627) it is made the duty 
of the Investigating Committee on an application for membership 
in a Lodge by deposit of card, to inquire of the Lodge granting 
the card whether all assessments for the Beneficiary Fund have 
been paid. It is the duty of the instituting officer of a new Lodge 
to satisfy himself that the same is the case with the cards to be 
deposited in such Lodge. 

603. Note. — Members joining by card from a different bene- 
ficiary jurisdiction must pass a medical examination the same 
as a new applicant. In all other respects, such members are 
admitted the same as those of the same jurisdiction. 

EXPELLED OR SUSPENDED MEMBERS CANNOT BE CHARTER 
MEMBERS.. 

604. A person cannot be taken as a charter member in the organ- 
ization ot a new Lodge, who is a suspended or expelled member 
of any Lodge in this Order, without his having been first rein- 
stated in the Lodge from which he was so suspended or expelled. 
Pro. 5th An. Sess. S. L , p. 188. 



Ill 



MEDICAL EXAMINATION. 



605. Each applicant on the petition for a charter, except mem- 
bers as provided in the foregoing Section, must present therewith 
a certificate (in the form prescribed by the Supreme Lodge) of a 
regular practicing physician, who must be a member of the Order 
when practicable, that the applicant is in sound bodily health, 
and has no defect which, in the opinion of the Medical Exam- 
iner, is calculated to shorten life, and is a fit subject to participate 
in the Beneficiary Fund. — Gen. Law 4. 

APPLICATIONS AND MEDICAL EXAMINER^ CERTIFICATES TO BE 
APPROVED AND FORWARDED. 

606. In instituting new Lodges, the applications and Medical 
Examiner's certificates of the charter members thereof, shall bo 
attested and approved by the instituting officer, and in such cases 
the degree of Master Workman may be conferred before the issu- 
ance ol beneficiary certificates; the instituting officer, as soon as 
the Lodge is organized, forwarding to the Grand Recorder or the 
Supreme Recorder, as the case may be, said applications and medi- 
cal examiner's certificates with the required fee. —Sup. L. Const, 
Art. VIII, Sec. 19. 

BALLOTING BY PETITIONERS. 

607. The petitioners shall meet at the time and place fixed upon 
by the instituting officer, and, under the direction of the Supreme 
Master Workman or his Deputy, or of the Grand Master Work- 
man or his Deputy, as the case may be, proceed to vote by secret 
ballot for each applicant in turn, in alphabetical order. If two 
or more black balls shall appear against an applicant he shall be 
declared rejected, and his petition for membership in the Order 
shall not be again considered for the period of six months there- 
after. — Gen. Law 5. 

ORGANIZATION OF LODGE, ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

608. If after the balloting it is found that less than ten mem- 
bers have been elected, the Lodge shall not be instituted until the 
required number is made up. When ten or more have been elected, 
they shall be instructed in the degrees, after which they shall pro- 
ceed, under the direction of the instituting officer, to elect a Past 
Master Workman, a Master Workman, a Foreman, an Overseer, 
a Recorder, a Receiver, a Financier, a Guide, and an Inside and 
Outside Watchman, and three Trustees. — Gen. Law 6. 

609. The election of officers shall take place after the degrees 
are conforred on the charter members. 

TERM OF OFFICERS. 

610. All the officers elected at the institution of a Lodge, shall 
serve until the end of the term in which they have been elected, 



112 

and shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges to which offi- 
cers elected for a full term are entitled. — Gen. Law 7. 

TRUSTEES. 

611. One of the Trustees shall be elected to serve until the end 
of the term for which the other officers are elected ; one to serve 
six months longer than the first, and one to serve twelve months 
longer than the first; and at the end of the term for which they 
were severally elected, their successors shall be elected to serve 
terms of eighteen months each. — Gen. Law 8. 

FEE FOR INITIATION AND DEGREES. 

612. The Subordinate Lodge degrees shall not be conferred 
upon any person for a less sum than -five dollars. — Gen. Law 11, 

613. Note. — Grand Lodges have the power to fix the fee for the 
three degrees, in the institution of new Lodges, at any amount 
they deem best, provided it be not less than five dollars. 

FEE FOR DEPOSIT OF CARD. 

614. Note. — The minimum fee to be paid by a member of the 
Order joining a new Lodge by card is two dollars, (see No. 601). 
Grand Lodges have the power to increase the amount of this fee. 

CHARTER FEES TO BE PAID BY NEW LODGE. 

615. No Subordinate Lodge shall be instituted under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge for a less sum than one 
hundred dollars, nor under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge for 
a less sum than fifty dollars. — Gen. Law 9. 

SUPPLIES TO NEW LODGE. 

616. The supplies to be furnished a Subordinate Lodge at its 
institution, shall be regulated by the body granting the charter; 
provided, in all cases, that the charter, ritualistic work, constitu- 
tions, blank books, and forms necessary to properly conduct the 
business of the Lodge, shall be furnished at the prescribed fee. 
Gen. Law 10. 

INSTITUTING OFFICER. 

617. A District Deputy Grand Master Workman has not author- 
ity to deputize any other person to represent or act for him in the 
organizatioL and institution of a Lodge. Should a Lodge, how- 
ever, be instituted by one deputized for that purpose by a District 
Deputy Grand Master Workman, the Lodge would be entitled to 
all the rights and privileges of a regularly instituted Lodge, 
although it was done in an informal manner, being itself guilty 
of no fault.— Pro. 1th An. Sess. S. L.,p. 150. 



113 
CHAPTER XXI. 

CLEARANCE AND FINAL CARDS. 
APPLICATION FOR CLEARANCE CARD. 

618. Any member in good standing wishing to withdraw from 
a Lodge, shall apply personally or otherwise in open Lodge for 
a clearance card, when, on payment of all fines and dues charged 
against him on the Financier's books, a vote shall be taken, and if 
a majority of votes be in favor, the card shall be granted. — Gen. 
Law 15. 

619. Note. — The difference between a clearance card and a final 
or withdrawal card needs to be clearly observed. The former is 
granted when a member, for any reason, wishes to withdraw 
from a Lodge, but desires to retain his membership in the Order. 
The latter is given to a member who wishes to separate himself 
entirely from the Order. A clearance card is a certificate that 
the person to whom it is issued is a member of the Order in good 
standing. A withdrawal card is a certificate that the holder of it 
has ceased to be a member of the Order, having voluntarily with- 
drawn from it. 

PROCEEDINGS WHEN CARD IS REFUSED. 

620. Should a majority of those voting refuse to grant the card, 
the objections shall be stated in writing, and the applicant shall 
be entitled to a trial in the same manner and form as upon other 
charges. — Gen. Law. 18. 

621. Note. — Any member in good standing is fairly entitled to 
receive a clearance card upon making application for it, and com- 
plying with the specified conditions. The vote required to be 
taken on granting the card is for the purpose of bringing the mat- 
ter to the attention of the Lodge, so that if any members have 
valid objections to the granting of the card, they may have an op- 
portunity to state them, and thus prevent the granting of a card 
to an unworthy brother who should be tried and punished by his 
own Lodge, and not recommended to another. Should no charges 
be made or sustained against a brother, it is the duty of the Lodge 
to grant the card. 

CARDS NOT TO BE GRANTED FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, DUES 
AND FEE TO RE PAID. 

622. No card shall be granted for a longer period than six 
months; and on the majority voting in favor of the card being 
granted^ the applicant shall pay to the Financier his dues up to 
the time of the expiration of the card, together with the price of 
the card. The price of clearance card to be fixed by the Lodge. 
Gen. Law. 16. 

623. Note. — A clearance card may be granted for a shorter 
period than six months. When a brother joins a Lodge by de- 



114 

posit of card, h3 is required to pay dues in such Lodge from the 
date of deposit, and having already paid dues to the Lodge grant- 
ing the card, up to the time of its expiration, will thus be paying 
double dues for any unexpired term of the card. This can only 
be avoided under the law by limiting the time of the card to such 
period as may be advisable in each case. 

CLEARANCE CARD MAY BE RECALLED. 

624. Should a card be granted, the Lodge may, for proper 
cause, recall or annul the same. — Oen. Law 19. 

STATUS OP MEMBERS HOLDING CLEARANCE CARDS. 

625. Any member holding his card, without depositing it in 
another Lodge, shall be under toe control of the Lodge granting 
the card, and shall notify the Recorder of his address at least 
once each month, and upon notice from the Financier of the 
death of a brother, shall forward his beneficiary fee to the Lodge, 
as required in the laws for the government of the Beneficiary 
Fund.— Oen. Law 17. 

626. A brother applying for and receiving a clearance card, 
must pay the dues as prescribed by the By-Laws of the Lodge up 
to the time the card expires, and the brother holding such card 
shall remain under the control of the Lodge granting the card, 
until the deposit thereof; he must pay beneficiary assessments to 
said Lodge, and attend to all the duties, and possess equal rights 
and benefits the same as any other member of the Lodge. The 
granting of a clearance card is not a withdrawal from the Lodge 
until said card has been received into another Lodge, and official 
notice given to the Lodge granting the card, of the deposit 
thereof. 

DEPOSIT OP CLEARANCE CARD IN SAME BENEFICIARY JURISDIC- 
TION. 

627. A brother of the Order wishing to become a member of a 
Lodge of the same beneficiary jurisdiction, shall make application 
in writing, and present his clearance card from the Lodge of which 
he was last a member. If the Lodge is satisfied of the correct- 
ness of the card, the application shall be referred to a committee 
of three members, whose duty it shall be to inquire of the Lodge 
granting the card if all assessments for the Beneficiary Fund 
have been paid by the brother holding the card, and report at the 
next stated meeting of the Lodge as to the character and fitness 
of the applicant for membership. If the report be favorable, the 
applicant shall be balloted for; and if only two black balls appear 
against him, he shall be declared elected to membership; if more 
than two black balls appear against him, he shall be declared re- 
jected. When admitted to membership, the brother shall pay a 
fee of nfyt less than two dollars. — Gen. Law 20. 

628. Note. — The duty of ascertaining if all assessments have 
been paid on a card, is placed by the above law on the Investigat- 



115 

ing Committee, but it may be performed by them through the Re- 
corder. Thi9 would seem to be the better plan, as all communi- 
cations should bear the seal of the Lodge, of which the Recorder 
is the custodian. No vote can be taken by a Lodge on the appli- 
cation for the deposit of a card, without first having received 
official notice from the Lodge granting said card, that all bene- 
ficiary assessments due thereon have been fully paid, and that no 
charges are pending against the brother holding said card, and 
no action can be taken on a card after the expiration of the time 
for which it was granted. 

NOTICE OF DEPOSIT OF CARD — DUTIES OF RECORDER, ETC. 

629. The Recorder of the Lodge in which the brother deposits 
his card shall immediately notify the Recorder of the Lodge from 
which the card was granted, of such deposit, which Lodge shall 
immediately forward the beneficiary fee of the brother to the 
Lodge in which he deposited his card, and a record shall be made 
of his Beneficiary Certificate, and the Supreme Recorder or 
Grand Recorder, as the case may be, immediately notified of the 
same, giving the name and number of the Lodge granting the 
card, and the number of the Beneficiary Certificate held by the 
brother. — Gen. Law 21. 

630. When a Lodge which has granted a clearance card receives 
official notice that it has been deposited in another L'~dge, it is 
the duty of the Recorder to notify the Grand Recorder of the 
fact; also to enter the same on the records of the Lodge and make 
the proper entrj r on the Beneficiary Certificate Register Book. 
The one dollar on deposit in the Beneficiary Fund should also be 
immediately forwarded to the Lodge in which the card is depos- 
ited; and their receipt for the same, placed in the hands of the 
Receiver, is a sufficient voucher for the money so forwarded. 

EXPIRATION OF TIME^ON CARD. 

631. At the expiration of the time for which a card was granted, 
the brother not having deposited it with another Lodge, he shall 
be considered under the jurisdiction of the Lodge from which he 
obtained the card, and the same may be deposited with that Lodge 
if he be in good standing, unless further time is granted. — Gen. 
Law 22. 

DEPOSIT OF CARD IN DIFFERENT BENEFICIARY JURISDICTIONS. 

632. Any member of the Order holding^ clearance card, wish- 
ing to become a member of a Lodge in a different beneficiary 
jurisdiction from that of the Lodge issuing the card, shall make 
application in the same manner and be subject to the same require- 
ments as an applicant for initiation, except that he shall not be re- 
quired to pay any fees except those specified in Section 3 of the 



116 

Beneficiary Article governing Subordinate Lodges, together with 
the Medical Examiner's fee, and the fee for membership required 
by the By-Laws of the Lodge to which the makes application. If 
his application be approved and he be elected to membership, he 
shall immediately cancel and deposit with the Lodge his Benefi- 
ciary Certificate issued by the jurisdiction from which he has 
withdrawn, from which time he shall be entitled to all the bene- 
fits of the Beneficiary Fund of the jurisdiction governing the 
Lodge to which he has been admitted. The Recorder of the 
Lodge shall immediately forward to the Grand or Supreme Re- 
corder, as the case may be, the application for Beneficiary Certifi- 
cate, which shall be issued in the same manner that, other Benefi- 
ciary Certificates are issued in such jurisdiction. The Recorder of 
the Lodge shall also forward the cancelled certificate to the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge granting the clearance card, which Lodge shall 
mark said certificate annulled on the books of the Lodge, and for- 
ward said certificate to the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, 
as the case may be, of that jurisdiction. If the application for 
membership as above provided be rejected, the fees, as provided, 
shall be returned to the applicant, except the fee of the medical 
examiner. — Gen. Law 23. 

633. Note. — When a Beneficiary Certificate is cancelled as above 
provided, and forwarded to Supreme or Grand Recorder, the one 
dollar which is in the Beneficiary Fund in the Subordinate Lodge 
on such certificate is to be forwarded when the next call is made 
upon that fund. It takes the same course as on the cancellation 
of a Beneficiary Certificate by death of the brother. 

AGE OF ArPLICANT. 

634. A. member over fifty years of age removing from one 
jurisdiction to another, may be admitted by card to membership 
in a Subordinate Lodge, if he be elected and comply with all the 
requirements of the laws of the Order.— Pre?. 7th An. Sess. S. L. , p. 
149. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ORDER. 

636. A member in good standing in the Order may sever his 
connection therewith by paying all amounts due from him to his 
Lodge, and the fee prescribed for the card, and making applica- 
tion in writing, setting forth his desire to withdraw from the Or-, 
der, and of surrendering all rights, benefits and privileges of what- 
ever nature and kind, that he may have acquired by virtue of hi* 
membership, when a certificate or final card shall be issued to 
him in the form prescribed by law. — Ocn. Law 24. 

[For form of final card see Form No. 13.] 

CARDS TO MEMBERS OF DEFUNCT LODGES. 

[See No. 376. General Law 36.] 






117 

CHAPTER XXII. 
• CHARGES, TRIALS, APPEALS. 

DISPUTES AND GRIEVANCES. 

636. Any members of the Lodge between whom may arise any 
disputes, difficulties or grievances, may specify the same to the 
presiding officer, in writing, who shall appoint a committee of 
three members who have attained the Master Workman degree, 
whose duty it shall be to examine the parties, their proofs and 
witnesses, fairly and impartially, and report their decision to 
him; he shall communicate the same to the parties concerned, 
when, should the dissatisfaction continue, the whole matter shall 
be brought before the Lodge, and undergo a regular form of trial; 
provided, however, that a member having alleged a dispute, dif- 
ficulty or grievance against another, which shall be proved false 
or malicious, he shall for the first offense be fined a sum not less 
than three dollars, and for the second offense be suspended as a 
dangerous disturber of the peace and harmony of the Lodge, in 
accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. 
Sub. L. Const., Art. XIV, Sec. 1. 

637. Note. — The above provision has been adopted throughout 
the Order, and may be therefore regarded as general law. it will 
be observed that it refers to difficulties or disputes between mem- 
bers, and not to charges against members for crimes or offenses. 
They are referred to the General Laws following. 

VIOLATION OP THE LAWS, ETC., OF THE ORDER. 

638. Any officer or member of a Lodge of this Order, who shall 
violate the principles, rules, regulations and customs of the Or- 
der, or disregard the requirements and laws thereof, shall be an- 
swerable therefor, and shall be tried and punished as the law of 
the Order may direct. — Gen. Law 38. 

UNLAWFUL USE OF FUNDS. 

639. Any officer or member of a Lodge of this Order who shall 
knowingly and willfully convert or appropriate to his own use, 
or to the use of anv othW person, contrary to the laws and regu- 
lations of the Order, any moneys belonging to the General or 
Beneficiary Fund, shall be tried and if found guilty of the charge, 
shall, in addition to any civil or criminal proceedings that may 
be instituted against him, be expelled from the Order, and be for- 
ever debaned from again becoming: a member of the Order. — Gen. 
Law 39. 

IMMORAL OR UNBECOMING CONDUCT. 

640. Any officer or member of a Lodge of this Order who may 
be charged with immoral or unbecomming conduct, shall be tried 
in accordance with the laws of the Order, in the Subordinate 
Lodge of which he is a member; provided, that should such im- 
moral or unbecoming conduct be committed while attending the 



118 

session of the Supreme Lodge or of the Grand Lodge, of which 
he is a member, said bodies shall have full power to proceed to 
trial and decide the case. — Gen. Law 40. • 

TKIAL ON CHARGES. 

641. No member of the Order shall be put on trial for any 
offense unless charges be preferred in writing and a copy served 
on him, and he have the opportunity of defending himself before 
a committee appointed to hear the case, who shall report to the 
Lodge having jurisdiction in the case. He shall have the privilege 
of defending himself by counsel, provided the counsel shall be a 
member of the Order in good standing. If the trial be in the Su- 
preme Lodge, its action upon the report of the committee shall 
be final; if in a Grand or Subordinate Lodge, an appeal may be 
taken as provided by the laws of the Order. — Gen. Law 41. 

CHARGES TO BE READ IN LODGE. 

642. All charges made against a member shall be handed to the 
Recorder of the Lodge in which the charge is made, which com- 
plaint shall be read at a stated meeting of the Lodge, and the Re- 
corder shall notify the accused when the matter will be taken up 
for consideration; at which time, if the charges are not with- 
drawn, a committee of five members shall be appointed. — Gen. 
Law 42. 

FORM OP TRIAL AND PROCEEDINGS UPON REPORT. 

643. It shall be the duty of the committee to whom a charge 
has been referred, to examine the parties, their proofs and wit- 
nesses, carefully and impartially; they shall give due notice of 
the time and place of trial, and give fair opportunity for the ac- 
cuser and accused to be prevent and to have counsel as above 
stipulated. But one witness at a time shall be allowed to he pres- 
ent. The committee shall keep a correct journal of the proceed- 
ings, reduce the testimony received to writing, and have it signed 
by the witnesses in the order in which it was received; and after 
the evidence is closed, reduce to writing their opinion as to the 
guilt or innocence of the accused, upon each separate charge, and 
present the same, together with the record of their proceedings 
and the testimony received, to the Lodge, at as earlv a day as 
practicable thereafter. The report of the committee shall be read, 
and after discussion the Lodge shall take a ballot, and a major- 
ity of the votes cast being in favor of the report, it shall be 
recorded as the judgment of the Lodge. The journal and testi- 
mony shall be read on the call of five members. — Gen. Law 43. 

TWO-THIRDS VOTE REQUIRED IN CERTAIN CASES. 

644. To remove an officer, or suspend or expel a member, (ex- 
cept for non-payment of dues or assessments) shall require the 
concurrence of two- thirds of the votes cast. — Gen. Law 44. 



110 

645. Should any officer or member be found guilty of any 
charge, it shall be the duty of the Lodge to prescribe the pun- 
ishment; provided that to remove an officer or suspend a mem- 
ber shall require a two-thirds vote — Sub.L. Const. , Art. XI 7 , Sec. 2. 

646. A brother is not compelled by our law to appear when 
charges are preferred against him; but if he neglect or refuse so 
to do, the committee will proceed with the trial the same as though 
he were present. 

647. Persons who are not members of the Order may be exam- 
ined as witnesses on the trial of a brother. • 

TRIAL BY SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

648. Any member of the Order, of whatever rank, may be tried 
by the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, upon charges 
being preferred in proper form, for any misdemeanor, as a mem- 
ber of the Lodge and Order. 

CHARGES AGAINST OFFICERS. 

649. Every officer against whom charges are preferred shall 
have a fair and impartial trial, in accordance with the laws, rules 
and regulations of the Order, and, unless otherwise ordered by 
the Lodge, he shall officiate until the charges preferred against 
him shall have been determined. — Sub. L. Const., Art. XIII, Sec.3. 

APPEALS TO SUPREME LODGE. 

650. Any member of a Grand Lodge or any Subordinate Lodge 
under the jurisdiction thereof, may appeal to the Supreme Lodge 
or to the Supreme Master Workman, from the decision of such 
Grand Lodge, and any member of a Subordinate Lodge under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, may appeal from 
the decision of such Subordinate Lodge to the Supreme Lodge. 
Notice, in writing, of such appeal must be given to the Grand 
Master Workman of the Grand Lodge, or to the Master Workman 
of the Subordinate Lodge, as the case may be, within thirty days 
from the date of such decision; and, within sixty days from the 
date of such decision, unless good cause to the contrary be shown, 
not the result of any fault or negligence on the part of the ap- 
pellant, he must file with the Supreme Master Workman or the 
Supreme Lodge, a full transcript of all the records and proceed- 
ings had, including the evidence, if any, pertaining to the matter, 
from the decision of which the appeal is taken. This transcript 
must be prepared by the Grand Recorder of the Grand Lodge or 
the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, as the case may be, and 
for which the appellant must pay in advance, if required, at the 
rate of ten cents per hundred words contained therein. Such 
appeal shall be decided by the Supreme Lodge with all convenient 
dispatch. In case the appeal be taken from a decision expelling 
a member from the Order, such appeal shall not suspend the 
judgment of expulsion; in case such judgment shall be reversed, 
it shall be the right of the person appealing, within twenty days 



120 

after receiving official notice of such reversal, to pay the Finan- 
cier of the Subordinate Lodge to which he belongs, all assess- 
ments and dues that would have accrued against such member 
during the time of the pending of such appeal, and notice of the 
reinstatement of his Beneficiary Certificate shall be made, and the 
same shall be renewed as in case of the renewal of the Bene- 
ficiary Certificates of a suspended member. When an order of 
expulsion is reversed by the Supreme Lodge, the Supreme Re 
corder shall immediately notify the Grand Recorder of the juris- 
diction from which the appeal was taken, who shall immediately 
give notice to the person and the Lodge from which he was ex- 
pelled, that upon complying with the requirements of this section, 
such person shall be restored to all the rights held by him prior 
to such expulsion; in such case the costs of the transcript from 
the Lodge expelling him shall be reimbursed to him by such 
Lodge.— Sup. L. Const., Art. X. 

651. Hereafter any appeal from the decision of a Grand Lodge 
or a Grand Master Workman, when not made in conformity with 
Article X, Supreme Lodge Constitution, shall be dismissed.— Pro. 
7th An. Sess. , 8. L., p. 75. 

APPEALS BY MEMBERS. 

652. Any member considering that injustice has been done him 
by the decision of the Lodge, may, within one month thereafter, 
appeal in writing to the proper officer, or Lodge (Supreme or 
Grand) if in session, stating his reasons. Immediately upon 
making the appeal, he must notify the Lodge from whose decision 
the appeal is taken, of the fact, and said Lodge shall, within one 
month thereafter, forward to the proper officer, or Lodge if in 
session, a copy of all minutes relating to the subject, together 
with the journal and testimony taken by the committee, certified 
under the seal of the Lodge. The member making the appeal 
must certify to the proper officer or Lodge in session, that he has 
notified his Lodge of the appeal. Should either party neglect 
these requirements, the appeal may be dismissed to the disadvan- 
tage of the Lodge or brother. — Gen. Law 45. 

APPEAL BY LODGES. 

653. Any Lodge desiring to take an appeal shall do so in the 
same manner and form as above prescribed. — Gen. Law 46. 

APPEALS IN GENERAL. 

654. Note. — Under the foregoing constitutional provision and 
laws, appeals may be taken as follows: 

1. Any officer or member of a Subordinate Lodge may appeal 
from the action of his Lodge to the Grand Lodge or to the Su- 
preme Lodge, if his Subordinate Lodge i3 under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 



121 

2. Ajriy Subordinate Lodge may appeal from the action of the 
Grand Ludge under whose jurisdiction it is, to the Supreme Lodge. 

3. Any member of a Grand Lodge may appeal from the action 
of such Grand Lodge to the Supreme Lodge. 

4. When the Grand or Supreme Lodge is not in session, appeals 
may be taken to the Grand or Supreme Master Workman, as the 
case may be, wherever an appeal is allowed to the Grand or Su- 
preme Lodge. 

655. No appeal from the decision of the Master Workman on 
questions of law arising under the Constitution, general laws, or 
decisions of the Grand Master Workman approved by the Grand 
Lodge, can be submitted to the Subordinate Lodge. The appeal 
must be made to the Grand Master Workman or the Grand Lodge. 

656. On all questions of order the members of the Lodge can 
appeal to the Lodge, from the decision of the Master Workman. 

657. The Master Workman is justified in refusing to entertain 
any questions he believes to be contrary to the Constitution. On 
questions of law, the only recourse from the decision of the chair, 
is by appeal to the higher authorities. 






CHAPTER XXIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
OBECTS OF THE ORDER. 

658. Pretermitting all reference to nationality, political opinions 
or denominational distinctions or preferences, but believing in the 
existence of a God, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe, 
and recognizing as a fundamental principle, that usefulness to 
ourselves and others is a duty which should be the constant aim 
and care of all, the following are submitted as the aims and pur- 
poses of the "Ancient Order of United Workmen." 

First — To embrace and give equal protection to all classes and 
kinds of labor, mental and physical; to strive earnestly to im- 
prove the moral, intellectual and social condition of its members; 
to endeavor, by wholesome precepts, fraternal admonitions and 
substantial aid. to inspire a due appreciation of the stern realities 
and responsibilities of life. 

Second — To create a fund for the benefit of its members during 
sickness or other disability, and in case of death, to pay a stipu- 
lated sum to such person or persons as may be designated by each 
member, thus enabling him to guarantee his family against want. 



122 

Third — The adoption of such secret work and means of recog- 
nition as will insure the protection of its members wherever the 
Order may exist. 

Fourth — To hold lectures, read essays, discuss the new inven- 
tions and improvements; encourage research in art, science and 
literature, and, when practicable, maintain a library for the im- 
provement of the members. 

RULES OF ORDER. 

659. Roberts' " Rules of Order " shall govern the parliamentary 
practice of the Supreme Lodge and all Grand Lodges when not 
otherwise provided for. — Gen. Law 48. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

660. The Master Workman can revert to any order of business, 
after having passed it, without a motion to do so. 

MINUTES. 

661. The minutes of a tTodge can only be approved at a stated 
meeting. 

IRREGULAR OR INFORMAL ADMISSION TO THE ORDER. 

662. A person admitted into the Order is, while in the Order, 
complying on his part with all its laws and requirements, entitled 
to all its rights and benefits, although the manner of his entering 
or gaining admission into the Order, may have been irregular and 
informal. A member may be admitted under such circumstances 
as would authorize the Subordinate Lodge to expel or suspend 
him. If he has been guilty of any fraud or misrepresentation, 
or, if knowing all the requirements of the Order, he should fraud- 
ulently combine with any one in order to gain admission, this 
would be an offense for which he could and ought to be tried and 
punished.— Pro. 5th An. Sess., S. L.,p..Sll. 

EFFECT OF DECISIONS. 

663. The decision of a Grand Lodge is binding upon its subor- 
dinates, unless reversed by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Mas- 
ter Workman. 

MEETINGS ON SUNDAY UNLAWFUL. 

664. It shall be unlawful for the Supreme Lodge or any Grand 
or Subordinate Lodge, to hold any meetings on Sunday for the 
purpose of organizing or transacting any of the ordinary busi- 
ness of the Lodge Neither shall any Lodge, as a Lodge, hold 
any picnic or pleasure excursion on Sunday, nor connect the 
name of the Order or the Lodge by public advertisement with 
any such Sunday picnic or excursion. — Gen, Law 33. 



123 

SPURIOUS LODGES, 

665. Any brother who shall be concerned in organizing, or who 
shall give countenance or support, or shall knowingly visit any 
Lodge purporting to be Ancient Order of United Workmen, and 
not possessing a legal, unreclaimed and valid Charter, duly 
granted and presented or confirmed by the Supreme or a Grand 
Lodge, shall be deemed unworthy of fellowship, and such brother, 
upon satisfactory proof, shall be suspended or expelled at the 
option of the Lodge of which he is a member; and any brother 
so suspended shall not be reinstated unless the Supreme or Grand 
Lodge assents thereto. Nor shall any person who has knowingly 
been in membership in any spurious or illegal Lodge be received 
into any regular Lodge, without the consent of the Supreme or 
Grand Lodge. 

USB OF SEAL. 

666. A communication coming from a Recorder of a Lodge, or 
a District Deputy Grand Master Workman, is official without a 
6eal, (when a seal has not yet been obtained), but the officer send- 
ing such communication should write under his signature the 
words, " No Seal. " 

Note. — The rule in regard to seals, founded on general usage 
and civil law is, that all official communications from a body or 
officer having an official seal, should be attested by such seal. In 
the case of new Lodges, etc., communications have to be some- 
times written before a seal has been obtained. 

Note. — The official seal of a Grand Lodge as used by the Grand 
Recorder in attesting official certificates and other papers, is im- 
pressed in the paper. That of the Grand Master Workman is the 
same seal printed on the paper, [see No. 93]. In sending out 
printed circulars, &c, however, the Grand Recorders usually use 
the printed seal, and this custom seems to be sanctioned by usage. 

Note.— A District Deputy Grand Master Workman is not an offi- 
cer of the Grand Lodge, and has no official seal. He is a Subordi- 
nate or Representative of the Grand Master Workman, and as such 
is generally authorized to use the printed seal of the Grand 
Lodge on communications, to indicate his official authority. 

TRAVELING IN FOREIGN LANDS. 

667. A brother may travel in foreign lands, and in case of death 
the Beneficiary Certificate must be paid; provided, dues and as- 
sessments are paid up in the meantime. 

668. Note. — Life insurance companies generally place restrictions 
upon their policy holders in regard to foreign travel. No such 
restriction has been placed upon the members of the Order, by 
any general law or by any conditions contained in the Beneficiary 
Certificate. 



124 

PROCESSIONS AND PUBLIC DISPLAYS. 

669. Public displays and processions (except funeral proces- 
sions) can take place only with the consent of the Supreme Lodge 
or the Grand Lodge, as the case may be, or the proper officer rep- 
resenting the authority of the same. 

PUBLICATIONS REFLECTING ON MEMBERS OF THE ORDER. 

670. The publication of any circular or other printed matter 
unjustly reflecting upon the Supreme Lodge, or upon a Grand or 
Subordinate Lodge, or upon the official conduct of any brother 
holding an official position in the Order, is an offense, and the 
party offending, whether an individual member of the Order or 
a Lodge (Grand or Subordinate), shall be dealt with as prescribed 
by the laws of the Order, and such penalty inflicted as the body 
trying the offender may deem right and proper. 

MONEY OF THE ORDER NOT TO BE USED BY OFFCERS. 

671. It is unlawful for any officer of the Supreme, Grand or 
Subordinate Lodges to use in his own business, or loan to others 
to use, or in any way to speculate or derive profit from any funds 
of the Order in his possession, and any such officer who shall do 
so, is guilty of embezzlement, and is liable not only to be expelled 
from the Order, but to be prosecuted criminally for embezzlement. 
Pro. M An. Sess. S. L., p. 89. 

INTOXICATING LIQUORS PROHIBITED AT BANQUETS, ETC. 

672. No Supreme, Grand or Subordinate Lodge of this Order 
shall, at the institution of a Lodge, or any public entertain- 
ment or banquet, set upon the table or caused to be used any 
intoxicating liquors. — Pro. 1st Sess., S. L. t p. 12. 

ATTENDANCE AT FUNERAL. 

673. A By-Law of a Subordinate Lodge is constitutional, which 
requires every member of such Lodge to attend the funeral of a 
deceased brother or brother's wife, the Grand Lodge, under which 
such Subordinate Lodge is organized having no other organic law 
than that made by the Supreme Lodge and applicable to such 
Grand Lodge. — Pro. 1th An. Sess., S. L.,p. 113. 

EXTENSION OF THE ORDER. 

674. The Order may be extended into the Canadas and the Brit- 
ish Possessions in North America, but not into other foreign 
countries. — Pro. 1th An. Sess., S.L.,p. 125. 

675. It is the judgment of the Supreme Lodge that the exten- 
sion of the Order any further in the sections of the country vis- 
ited by the late epidemic, or liable to be so visited hereafter by 
such epidemics, should cease; and this, without any feeling of 
exclusiveness or of unkindness towards those who may desire to 
unite with us, but only as a proper precautionary measure. — Pro. 
1th An. Sess., S.L.,p.Ul. 



125 

TJ8BJ OF THE WORD " INSURANCE." 

676. The word "insurance" should not be printed upon any 
returns or other official papers in the Supreme Lodge or any 
Grand or Subordinate Lodge. — Pro. 1th An. Sess. 9 8. Z., p. 150, 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO DEPUTY SUPREME MASTER WORKMEN. 

Issued by Supreme Master Workman M. W. Sackett, and approved by the 
Supreme Lodge, Annual Session, 1879. 

Deputy Supreme Master Workmen are instructed to observe 
the following rules and regulations in organizing Lodges, and 
will be held to a strict accountability, that Lodges are instituted 
with a due regard to their future stability and prosperity, and are 
composed of such persons, both as to character and physical qual- 
ifications, as will not only reflect credit on their judgment and 
discretion as Deputies, but will be for the best interests of the 
Order. Each and every requirement of the laws and usages of 
the Supreme Lodge must be observed and enforced. Ignorance 
of any law or regulation cannot in any case be received as an 
excuse for any violation or neglect of duty. 

CHARTER APPLICATION. 

Charter application must be made in duplicate, in the form pre- 
scribed by the Supreme Lodge, one copy to be retained by the 
Lodge, the other forwarded by the D. S M. W. to the Supreme 
Recorder, with the applications for Beneficiary Certificate. Each 
applicant on the charter application, must sign his name in full 
stating his age at last birthday, and the day and year of his 
birth, also his residence and occupation. 

AGE OP APPLICANTS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

No person shall be admitted to membership who has not arrived 
at the full age of twenty -one years or is over fifty years of age. The 
date at which a person becomes fifty years of age is ascertained 
by adding fifty years to the date of his birth. Thus, a person 
born May 1st, 1828. is, on May 1st, 1878, fifty years of age, and 
is ineligible to membership. 

PEE FOR MEMBERSHIP AND DEGREES. 

Charter applicants may be admitted to membership and the 
three degrees conferred for the sum of Five Dollars ; but after 
the institution of the Lodge, no person can be admitted and the 
degrees conferred for a less sum than Nine Dollars. (The one 



126 

dollar for Beneficiary Fund deposit, and one dollar for Benefi- 
ciary Certificate, is always to be paid in addition to the fees pre- 
scribed for membership and degrees.) The fees must in all cases 
be paid before the degrees are conferred. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION. 

Each applicant for membership must present the certificate of 
a regular practicing physician, in the manner and form prescribed 
by the Supreme Lodge, certifying that the applicant is in sound 
bodily health, and recommending him as physically qualified to 
participate in the Beneficiary Fund of the Order. The D. S. 
M. W. instituting the Lodge, will, on examination and approval 
of the Medical Examiner's report, fill up and sign the blank in- 
stead of the Committee of Investigation. 

BALLOT FOR MEMBERSHIP BETWEEN CHARTER APPLICANTS. 

Each applicant for membership on the charter application must 
be balloted for as provided in Section 5 of Laws of General Ap- 
plication; and no person can participate in said ballot unless all 
of the foregoing requirements have been fully complied with. 
That the same may be fully understood, D. S M. W. are required, 
immediately preceding the ballot, to read, in the hearing of all 
applicants, the foregoing requirements. 

NUMBER OF PERSONS THAT CAN LEGALLY CONSTITUTE A LODGE. 

Tin persons, duly examined, qualified and elected are the least 
number that can legally organize a Lodge. It is, however, much 
better not to organize a Lodge with less than twenty members. 

ADDITION OF NAMES TO CHARTER APPLICATION. 

After the ballot for membership has been taken, and the requi- 
site number of persons elected, no new names can be added to 
the application for charter, and no other persons can be admitted 
as charter members. 

LIST OF SUPPLIES FURNISHED NEW LODGES, AND FEE FOR SAME. 

The following is the list of supplies furnished each Subordinate 
Lodge, at its institution, for which the sum of One Hundred Dol- 
lars must be paid previous to the institution of the Lodge : 1 
Dispensation, 3 Rituals, 25 Ode Cards, 1 set Tools, 2 Gavels, 1 
Financier's Assessment Book, 1 Beneficiary Certificate Register 
Book, 1 Monthly Beneficiary Report Book, 1 Roll Book, 1 Finan- 
cier's A. O. U. W. Return Report Book, 1 Ledger, 1 Journal. 1 
Record Book, 1 Receipt Book (Financier), 1 Receipt Book (Re- 
oeiver), 1 Warrant Book, 1 Receiver's Cash Book, 1 Supreme 
Lodge Proceedings, 2 Funeral Ceremonies, 25 Constitutions, 50 
Medical Examiner's Reports, 200 Assessment Notices, 50 Mem- 
bership Applications, 5 Death Reports, 10 Blank Bonds, 5 Final 
Cards, 5 Clearance Cards, 50 Prospectus Circulars. [Dispensa- 



127 

tions issued by the Supreme Lodge in lieu of charter, will be 
replaced by lithograph charter, after a Grand Lodge is organ- 
ized in the State* or Territory wherein the Subordinate Lodge 
exiats.] Deputies shall in no case institute a Lodge unless they 
have the necessary supplies in their possession. 

SIGNING CONTRACT AND DIRECTING PAYMENT OP BENEFICIARY 

FUND. 

Immediately after receiving Junior Workman's degree, and 
previous to the conferring of the Senior Workman's degree, each 
applicant will fill out and sign the blank contract printed on the 
Medical Examiner's report, making full and explicit direction as 
to whom the Beneficiary Fund shall be paid in case of death. 
Said contract and direction shall be attested by the D. S. M. W., 
and each applicant shall, on signing said blank, deposit One Dol- 
lar in the Beneficiary Fund, as provided in the laws governing 
said fund, and One Dollar for Beneficiary Certificate, the latter 
fee to be forwarded by the D. S. M. W. with the Medical Exami- 
ner's report, to the Supreme Recorder. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO NEW LODGES. 

Deputy Supreme Master Workmen are not only required to 
instruct the Lodge in the ritualistic work, but also to give full 
and explicit directions as to the proper mode of keeping the dif- 
ferent books — the use of the various blank forms — the proper 
reports, monthly and otherwise, to be made to the Supreme Re- 
corder — the manner of making application for Beneficiary Cer- 
tificates, registering and countersigning the same, &c. , &c. Depu- 
ties vvill be held responsible for the correct working of Lodges 
instituted by them; and that lack of proper instructions may not 
be pleaded as an excuse for informalities, the Supreme Recorder 
will, when applied to, furnish minute details on any point not 
fully understood. 

RETURNS AND REPORTS TO SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN AND 
RECORDER. 

Within Jive days after the institution of a Ljodge,the D. S. M.W. 
is required to make report to the Supreme Master Workman of 
the date of institution of the Lodge, giving the name, number 
and location, the name and post-office address of the Master 
Workman and Recorder, and the number of members admitted 
as charter applicants. Within the same time the D. 8. M. W. is 
required to make the same report, as above, to the Supreme Re- 
corder, and in addition, forward the original charter application, 
with the names of those persons rejected by ballot, exased; also 
a list of the officers of the Lodge; also the Medical Examiner's 
reports and contracts for Beneficiary Certificates, together with 
a draft payable to the order of the Supreme Receiver, for the char- 
ter fee due the Supreme Lodge, and the one dollar for each ap- 
plication for Beneficiary Certificate. 



128 

FEES ALLOWED D. 6. M. W. FOK INSTITUTING NEW LODGES. 

The compensation allowed D. S. M. W. for instituting new 
Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, is fifty 
dollars. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

EXILES OF ORDER FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF SUBORDINATE 

LODGES. 

OPENING OF THE LODGE. 

1. The M. W. having taken the chair, the officers and members, 
clothed in their regalia, shall take their respective seats, and at 
the sound of the gavel there shall be general silence. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

2. The order of business laid down in the Ritual shall be fol- 
lowed as the established rule, but this order may be suspended 
when occasion requires, by the M. W., with the general consent 
of the Lodge, or by a majority vote; but in any event all the heads 
of business must be called at a regular meeting of the Lodge be- 
fore adjournment takes place. 

THE MASTER WORKMAN. 

3. The M. W. shall preserve order and pronounce the decisions 
of the Lodge on all subjects. He shall decide questions of law, 
subject to an appeal to the Grand Lodge or the' Grand Master 
Workman, and questions of order, subject to an appeal to the 
Lodge by any two members. 

4. The M. W. shall decide questions of order without debate 
but he may ask for and hear remarks upon such questions, if he 
so desire, before giving his decision. 

5. The M. W. is entitled to vote in an election for officers, or 
on balloting for candidates. When the members of the Lodge 
are equally divided on any question, he has the casting vote. 

6. The M. W. wishing to speak upon or debate any question 
before the Lodge, must call the Foreman to the chair, before so 
doing. 

7. In the absence of the M. W. and Foreman for the evening, a 
P. M. W. will preside. 

APPEALS ON QUESTIONS OF ORDER. 

8; Any two members may take an appeal from the decision of 
the chair upon a question of order, when the question before the 



129 

Lodge shall be, " Shall the decision of the chair stand as the 
judgment of the Lodge ? " 

9. On an nppeal on a question of order, the M. W. can speak 
without leaving his station, and no member shall speak more than 
once. 

DECORUM IN THE LODGE. 

10. During the reading of the minutes, or of communications, 
bills or other papers, and when an officer or member is speaking, 
or the M. W. is putting a question, silence must be maintained in 
the Lodge. 

11. Any member who shall conduct himself in a disorderly 
manner in the Lodge, and shall refuse to obey the Presiding 
Officer when called to order, may be excluded from the Lodge 
room for the evening, and afterwards dealt with as the Lodge 
may provide. 

ORDER IN DEBATE. 

12. If two or more members rise to speak at the same time, the 
M. W. shall decide which is entitled to the floor. 

13. Each member speaking to any question, shall stand and 
respectfully address the M. W., confine himself to the question 
before the Lodge, and avoid all personalities and indecorous lan- 
guage. 

14. A. member shall not be interrupted while speaking, except 
to call him to order, or for the purpose of explanation, or on a 
question of privilege. 

15. If a member be called to order while speaking, he shall at 
once take his seat until the question of order is determined. If 
decided against him he shall not proceed without the consent of 
the Lodge. 

16. No member shall speak more than once upon the same sub- 
ject or question, until all wishing to speak upon it have had an 
opportunity to do so, nor more than twice without permission of 
the Lodge. 

17. No member shall disturb another when speaking, unless to 
call him to order, nor stand up to interrupt him, nor pass between 
him and the chair, or leave the hall while he is speaking. 

18. Every member speaking shall designate any officer or mem- 
ber spoken of, by uis proper rank and title in the Order. 

19. The consequences of a measure may be reprobated, but it is 
not in order to arraign the motives of those who advocate it, nor 
to reflect upon the Lodge or its members, or the officers or authori- 
ties ot the Order. 

MOTIONS IN GENERAL. 

20. A motion must be made, seconded and stated from the chair, 
before it is subject to debate. 



130 



21. A member rising to make a motion may be allowed to pre- 
face it with brief remarks strictly confined to an explanation of 
the purpose of the motion he is about to offer. 

22. A motion which has been made, seconded and stated from 
the chair, cannot be withdrawn without consent ot the Lodge. 

23. Before putting a question, the M. W. shall ask, "Is the 
Lodge ready for the question ?" If no member rise to speak, 
and "the M. W. has risen to put the question, no debate on it is 
then in order. 

AMENDMENTS. 

24. An amendment must be made, seconded and stated in the 
same manner as an original motion. 

25. When a motion to amend an amendment has been made, 
no further amendment is in order until that motion has been dis- 
posed of. 

26. Amendments may be made (1) by inserting or adding cer- 
tain woids, (2) by striking out, or (3) by striking out and inserting, 

27. A substitute is to be regarded as an amendment by striking 
out and inserting. 

FILLING BLANKS. 

28. When a blank is to be filled, the question shall first be taken 
on the highest or largest sum or number, and the longest or latest 
time. 

DIVISION OF THE QUESTION. 

29. Any member may call for a division of the question when 
the sense will admit of it, but a motion to strike out and insert 
shall not be divided except at the option of the mover. 

DIVISION OF THE LODGE. 

30. Any member doubting the decision of a question, may, 
immediately after it is announced, call for a division of the 
Lodge, and a count of the affirmative and negative votes. 

31. Upon the call of five members, made when a question is 
about to be put to the Lodge, the yeas and nays shall be taken 
and entered upon the minutes. 

MOTIONS NOT SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT. 

32. The motions to adjourn, to lie on the table, to postpone in. 
definitely, tor the previous question, to reconsider, or to suspend 
the rules, cannot be amended. 

MOTIONS NOT DEBATABLE. * 

33 The motions to adjourn, to lie on the table, for the previous 
question, and to take up a subject which has been laid upon the 
table, are not subject to debate. 






131 ' 

SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS. 

34. When a principal question is before the Lodge, either of 
the following motions may be applied to it: to lie on the table, 
for the previous question, to postpone to a certain time, to com- 
mit, to amend, or to postpone indefinitely, which motions shall 
severally have precedence in the order here arranged. 

LIE ON THE TABLE. 

35. The motion to lie on the table takes precedence of all other 
subsidiary motions. If adopted, it sets aside the whole subject 
before the Lodge, including pending amendments. 

36. A subject laid upon the table may be taken up by a majority 
vote after the transaction of any other business. 

PREVIOUS QUESTION. 

37. Upon a call for the previous question being made by two 
members, the M, W. shall immediately put the question, " Shall 
the main question be now put ? " If a majority of the votes be 
in the affirmative, debate shall cease, and the question shall be 
put, first upon any amendment or amendments which may be 
pending, and then upon the main question. 

38. If the demand for the previous question is not sustained by 
a majority of the Lodge, the question under discussion remains 
before the Lodge in the same position as before the call for the 
previous question was made. 

RECONSIDERATION. 

39. A motion to reconsider shall not be received unless made at 
the same meeting at w T hich the action to be reconsidered was had, 
and by a member who voted with the prevailing side. 

40. The adoption of a motion to reconsider a vote, places the 
subject before the Lodge in the exact condition in which it was 
before such vote was taken. 

INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT. 

41. When a question is indefinitely postponed, it shall not be 
acted upon at the same or the next subsequent meeting. 

COMMITTEES. 

42. The member first named on a committee shall act as chair- 
man until another is chosen by the members of the committee. 

43. The mover of a resolution for a special committee is usually 
the first named thereon. 

44. Any member may excuse himself from serving on a com- 
mittee if, at the time of his appointment, he is a member of two 
other committees. 



132 

45. When the report of a special committee has been received, 
the committee is thereby discharged without a motion for that 
purpose, but it may be revived by a vote to recommit the report. 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 

46. When a report of a committee is offered, it will be received 
and read, as by general consent, if no objection is offered. If 
objection is made, the consent of the Lodge, by a majority vote, 
is necessary before the report shall be read. 

47. When a report of a committee has been read to the Lodge, 
it is then in the possession of the Lodge, and may be adopted, 
amended, postponed, recommitted, laid on the table, or other- 
wise disposed of, as a majority of the Lodge may determine. 

LIMITING DEBATE. 

48. The Lodge may, by a majority vote, adopt in advance a 
special order requiring debate on any motion or subject to cease 
at a specified time. 

READING PAPERS, ETC. 

49. All official communications or notices to the Lodge from 
the Supreme or Grand Lodge, or their proper officers, and all bills 
and accounts or other papers relating to the business of the Lodge, 
shall be read by the Recorder when the proper order of business 
has been reached. 

50. The Recorder shall briefly state the nature of any commu- 
nications or papers addressed to the Lodge or placed on his desk, 
not included in the above rule, but thej' shall not be read unless 
by general consent or by a vote of the Lodge. 

51. Every member has the right to have any paper which is 
brought before the Lodge for its action, read once in the Lodge 
before a vote is taken on it, but after it has been once read, a call 
for another reading is subject to the consent of the Lodge. On 
such call for a reading for information, the M. W. will direct the 
paper to be read, unless objection is made, in which case the con- 
sent of a majority of the Lodge must first be obtained. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

52. A motion to adjourn is not in order until the heading, "Good 
of the Order " is reached, and if adopted, adjournment does not 
take place until the Financier's report is read, and the Lodge 
closed in due form. 

SUSPENSION OP RULES. 

53. Any of these Rules of Order may be suspended by a two- 
thirds vote, or by general consent; provided, that no rule which 
involves any constitutional provision or requirement of any law 
of the Order, shall at any time be suspended. 



133 

BOBERTS' MANUAL. 

54. " Robert's Rules of Order " shall be authority on all ques- 
tions of order, arising in the Lodge, which may not be provided 
for in these rule*. 



ACCEPTANCE OF ACT OF INCORPORATION. 

Whereas, The Legislature of Kentucky, by an act passed and 
approved the eleventh day of February, 1873, incorporated the 
Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Ken- 
tucky; and whereas, by said act, it was further provided that 
said act should extend to and embrace the Supreme Lodge of 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and that said Supreme 
Lodeje should be incorporated thereby upon their acceptation of 
said act; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That this Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, now in session at the lodge room of Boone 
Lodge, No. 1, of Kentucky, Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
do hereby approve of and accept said act of incorporation, and 
direct the Supreme Recorder of the Supreme Lodge, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, to spread this resolution upon the 
minutes of said Lodge, this fifteenth day of February, 1873. 
Pro. 1st An. JSess. S.*L. t p. 16; 2d An. JSess. p. 19; Adopted March 
10, 1874. 






SPPENDII 



FORMS OF BLANKS IN USE. 



[Form No. 1.] 
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

To the officers and members of Lodge No. .'..., A. O. 

U. W.: 

Having formed a favorable opinion of your Order, and appre- 
ciating its benefits, I desire (if found worthy,) to become a mem- 
ber of your Lodge. 

Age, . . . years. Occupation, Residence, 

Signature, 

Referred to 

Bro , 

Bro 

Bro 



Recommended by 
Bro..... 


Bro 









The committee to whom ( ) 

was referred the foregoing < I Committee. 

Petition,report . . ..favorable. ( ) 



[Form No. 2.] 
MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT. 

On Application of , , for Membership in Lodge No. . . * 

A. O. U. W. * * 

Located at , State of ,made this . .day of ,18. .. 

1. Name of Applicant in Full. 

2. Residence: Post-office, County and State. 

3. a. Occupation, b. Age. 

4. Date of Birth. 



140 

no indication of disease, either from parentage or personal habits, 
that should debar him from participating in the Beneficiary Fund 
of the Order. I therefore recommend him as physically qualified 
for membership in the Order. 

, Medical Examiner. 

For Lodge No 

Graduated from College in the year 18. . , and now a 

member of County Medical Society. 

We, the undersigned, a duly appointed committee on the appli- 
cation of an applicant for membership in this Lodge, 

have carefully examined the above report of our Medical Exam- 
iner, and fully endorse his recommendation. 



Committee. 



TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

It is evident, upon the least reflection, that in order to give suc- 
cess to this Order, to secure to the members the prospective ad- 
vantages of their relations to the Order, and to inspire and de- 
serve the confidence of the community, none but lives selected with 
the greatest care and deliberation, should be admitted to membership. 

No Lodge having a due regard for its interests and reputation, 
as a part of the organization, desires questionable risks, and no 
Medical Examiner is doing the Order a service in accepting risks 
which an; at all doubtful; he maybe adding by sucli means to 
the number of membership, but he is weakening the force of the 
institution for good by increasing the assessments to an amount 
greater than ordinary risks would warrant. 

Upon the judgment and discrimination of the Medical Exam- 
iner in selecting good risks, much depends. The Committee of 
Investigation may make full and sufficient inquiry as regards 
moral standing, temperate habits, etc., but if the Medical Exam- 
iner, upon whose judgment and integrity the Lodge relies, is care- 
less in his examination, and but slightly impressed with the grave 
importance of his duties in guarding the Order against the accept- 
ance of hazardous risks, all the efforts of the officers and mem- 
bers of the Order are rendered nugatory. 

The Medical Examiner should feel the great responsibility of 
his position, knowing that in his capacity as inpector of all the 
material out of which our fabric is being composed, he can readily 
leave the impress, either of his conscientious care or his careless- 
ness, upon the structure; each first-class risk he accepts building 
up and strengthening it, while each hazardous one weakens and 
tends to destroy. 

APPROVED INSTRUCTIONS TO MEDICAL EXAMINERS. 

Causes of Rejection : 
]?i r nt — Where the family history is such that from it alone the 
applicant is considered to be predisposed to the disease of which 



141 

his parents died, as for instance, where the death of both parents 
was the result of consumption or other hereditary disease. 

Second — Where one parent and a number of brothers or sisters, 
or other relatives, have so died, conjoined with personal predis- 
position to the disease. 

Third— Where the applicant has been affected with apoplexy, 
epilepsy, hereditary insanity, symptoms of softening of the brain, 
gout, irreducible hernia, disease of the spine, important tumors, 
calculus, secondary syphilis, permanent stricture, and amputations 
at the shoulder joint, or above the knee, after the age of forty. 

Fourth — Where the applicant has been affected with and not 
fully recovered from paralysis, loss of sensation and voluntary 
motion, fistula, rheumatism, disease of the kidneys, bladder, etc. 

Fifth — Where there is permanent intermittance and irregularity 
of the heart's action, abnormal sounds in this organ, symptoms of 
hypertrophy of heart, aneurism and ossification of the blood ves- 
sels, habitual cough, difficulty of breathing, or asthma, connected 
with organic lesions. 

Sixth-—If the pulse be persistently over ninety, after repeated 
trials without excitement, and the respiration be not in ratio with 
the pulse of one to four or five. 

Seventh — Diseases of the digestive organs materially affecting 
the health or weight of the person, psoas lumbar or spinal abcess, 
hip-joint disease, unless a long period of cure has elapsed. The 
existence of an open ulcer, scrofula, and frequent attacks of ery- 
sipelas. 

Eighth — Cancer or other malignant disease, and where after any 
illness, its effects are perceptible in loss of vigor in the constitu- 
tion, thereby predisposing to renewed attacks of the same malady. 

Ninth — In different occupations the mortality successively rises 
in the classes of shoemakers, miners, bakers and butchers, to meet 
its maximum in the tavern-keepers or bar-tenders, in whom it is 
about two-thirds greater than in the laborer. We need say noth- 
ing to increase the significance of these facts, or to add to the care 
with which in examining a member of the liquor dealing class, 
you are bound to inquire into his immunity from that intemper- 
ance to which his calling so peculiarly tempts him, and to which 
this very great additional risk is, no doubt, chiefly due, and. there- 
fore, it should be deemed sufficient cause for rejection unless im- 
munity is proven. 



[Form No. 3.] 
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

BENEFICIARY DEPARTMENT. 

Application for a Beneficiary Certificate. 

To Lodge, A. O. U. W. : 

I, , having made application for the M. 

W. Degree, in Lodge IS o , Ancient Order of 



142 

United Workmen, State of , do hereby agree, that 

compliance on my part with all the laws, regulations and require- 
ments which are, or may be hereafter enacted by said Order, is ihe 
express condition upon which I am to be entitled to participate in 
the Beneficiary Fund, and have and enjoy all the other benefits 
and privileges of said Order. 

I certify that the answers made by me to the questions pro- 
pounded by the Medical Examiner of this Lodge, which are at- 
tached to this application and form a part thereof, are true. 

I further agree that the Certificate to be issued hereon, shall 
have no binding force whatever until I shall take the M. W. De- 
gree of said Order, and until countersigned by the Master Work- 
man and Recorder of said Lodge, No 

I hereby authorize and direct that the amount to which I may 
be entitled of said Beneficiary Fund, shall, at my death, be paid 
to 

Date, , 18. . . , Applicant. 

[seal.] Attest : Recorder of 

Lodge, No. . . , A. O.U. W. 

' Located at 

State of 

Note.— Insert full name, residence and relationship, if any. Give name 
of each party in full, in all cases, plainly written, so as no mistakes may 
occur. 



[Form No. 4.] 

[Beneficiary Certificate.] 

SUPREME LODGE, ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED 
WORKMEN. 

No $... 

This Certificate, issued by the authority of the Supreme Lodge 
<of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, witnesseth: That 

Brother , a Master Workman degree member 

of Lodge No , of said Order, located at , 

in , is entitled to all the rights and privileges of mem- 
bership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and to par- 
ticipate in the Beneficiary Fund of the Order, to the amount of 
two thousand dollars, which sum shall, at his death, be paid 

to 

This Certificate is issued upon the expresss condition that 
said shall, in every particular, while a mem- 
ber of said Order, comply with all the laws, rules and require- 
ments thereof. 

In witness whereof, the said Supreme Lodge A. O. U. 
W. has caused this to be signed by its Supreme Master 
[seal.] Workman and Recorder, and the seal thereof to be at- 
tached this . . day of , one thousand eight 

hundred and 

Attest: , Supreme Master Workman. 

, Supreme Recorder. 



143 

We, the undersigned Master Workman and Recorder 

of Lodge No , do hereby counter- 

[seal.] sign this Certificate and attach the seal of this Lodge 
hereto, rendering the same valid and in full force, this 

day of , 18. . . 

Attest: , Master Workman. 

, Recorder. 



[Form No. 5.] 
DEATH REPORT.— A. O. U. W. 

,18.. 

Lodge No 

To , Recorder of the Lodge of 

*A. O. U. W. 

Dear Sir and Brother: 

We, the undersigned, officers of Lodge, No. 



A. O. U. *W., of do hereby certify to the death of 

our Brother , who was aged . . years, on the 

day of , 18 . . . Said date being the last anniversary of 

his birth prior to his death. He died on the day of 

, 18 . . . His death was caused by He 

joined this Lodge by on the day of 

, 18. . . 

The first Beneficiary assessment paid by him was on the death 

notice of Brother , assessment No ; 

the last assessment paid was on the death of Brother 

, assessment No Brother 

was a M. W. Member in good standing in our Lodge, and was not 
suspended from the Order for dues, and has paid all assessments 
for " Beneficiary Fund" charged against him up to the date of 
his death. 

Having examined carefully the financial books and records of 
this Lodge, and under our obligations as Master Workmen, we 
hereby report Brother entitled to partici- 
pate in the " Beneficiary Fund " under our laws. 

His Beneficiary Certificate is No , and is payable to 

Name and residence of wife, (if payable to her) 

Names and ages of each child, (if payable to children) and 
residence of each, 

Name and residence of payee, (if not payable to wife or 

children), 

Yours in C, H. & P., 

, Master Workman. 

[seal.] , Financier. 

, Recorder. 



144 
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

MEDICAL PROOF OP LOSS, AND CAUSE OP DEATH. 

The undersigned was the attending physician in the last sick- 
ness of of , in the State of 

4 , who died at , in the State of , 

on the day of . . , 18. . . 

How long have you known deceased ? 

Were you his attending physician prior to his last illness ? 

How long was the deceased sick ? 

Of what disease did he die ? 

Have you stated all the material facts relating to the sickness 
and death of deceased ? If not, do so. 

,M.D. 

Personally appeared before me, the above-named , 

and made oath that the foregoing statements and answers by him 
made, are true, to the best of his knowledge and belief. 

Sworn and subscribed, this day of , 18. . , 

at 



UNDERTAKER S CERTIFICATE. 

I, , do hereby certify that I am an Under- 
taker, residing at , and as such Undertaker I attended 

the funeral of , and that he was interred in 

on the day of 18 . . 

Sworn and subscribed before me, this day of , 18. . 



The acknowledgments should be taken before a Notary Public 
or a Clerk of a "Court of Record,'' or before a Justice of the 
Peace. The official character of the Justice of the Peace, being 
certified to by the Clerk of the Court of Record. 



[Form No. 6.] 

CHANGE OP DIRECTION OF BENEFICIARY CERTIFI- 
CATE. 

I, , to whom the within Certificate was issued, 

do hereby revoke my former direction as to the payment of the 
Beneficiary Fund due at my death, and now authorize and direct 
such payment to be made to , bearing relation- 
ship to myself of 

Witness my hand and seal this day of , 18. . 

[seal.] 

[seal.] Attest: Recorder. 



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146 

[Form No. 8.] 

ANCIENT ORDER OP UNITED WORKMEN. 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 

of Lodge No 1 . , State of , for 

the term ending , 18 . . . 

This Lodge meets in Hall, on evening, 

in , County of , State of 

OFFICERS FOR THE TERM 

ending 18 . . . 

P. M. W., 

M. W., P. O. Address, 

Foreman, O. , 

Recorder, P. O. Address, 

Financier, P. O. Address, 

Receiver, P. O. Address, 

G., I.W., 

O. W 

MEMBERSHIP. 



Number members last report, 

u initiated during the term, 

" admitted by card during the term,. 
" reinstated daring the term, 



Total, 

From which deduct 
Number withdrawn during the term, 

" suspended * 4 " 

44 expelled " " 

44 of deaths ' 4 " 

4 * of rejections, 

Present membership, 

No. of M. W. Degree members at present,. 
Per Capita Tax due Grand Lodge, 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL FUND. 



Received from Initiation and Degrees, . 

44 * 4 Admission by card, 

" ' 4 Fines, 

" « 4 Dues, 

" " other sources, 



Total amount of receipts, 

Balance in hand of Receiver at last report, . . . 

Total, 



147 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Capita Tax due June 30, 18. ., 

11 December 3i, 18. ., 

Expended for Sick Benefits and Charity, 

" for Incidental Expenses, 

" for excess on Assessments,. . . . 

" for Supplies, 

Total 

Balance in Receiver's hands to date, 

Increase of Fund, 

Decrease, 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE BENEFICIARY FUND. 

The excess must not be included in this. 



Balance on hand from Assessment, 
Collected on Assessment 




No 








1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 






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Total, 


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Balance on hand 


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143 

Names of members whose Beneficiary Certificates were sus- 
pended during term, and date of same. 

[This includes only Beneficiary Certificates that have not been 
held suspended for six months] 

Names of members suspended from the Order, date and cause. 

[This includes all Beneficiary Certificates held suspended for 
more than six months, and any that have been annulled by expul- 
sion of the member, and als<> such Certificates as have been with- 
drawn for the purpose of joining another Lodge.] 

Names of members whose Beneficiary Certificates were rein- 
stated during the term and date of same. 

Names of members whose Beneficiary Certificates were rein- 
stated during the term and date of same. 

Names of Candidates rejected and dates. 

Names of Deceased Members, and date of same, during term. 

Names of Candidates initiated. 

Admitted by Card, date of admission and from what Lodge. 

Withdrawn by Card, date of withdrawal and to what Lodge. 

Withdrawal on final Card and date. 

Names of P. M. W. in good standing. 

[There must be two copies of this Report properly made out 
and signed; one copy of which is to be filed in the Lodge, and 
one forwarded to the Supreme Recorder at once.] 

Having carefully examined the within semi-annual report, we 
do hereby certify that it is correct. 

Enclosed please find $ per capita tax due (25c. semi-an- 
nually for each member) on members as shown by 

the enclosed report. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and the 
seal of the Lodge this day of , 18. . 



Master Workman. 
• •••■•• ...., 

Recorder. 

Note. — In the Subordinate Lodges under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, the retiring Past Master Work- 
man is authorized to install the officers elect, and the Lodge for- 
wards the per capita tax direct to the Supreme Recorder, accom- 
panied by this report. 



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150 

[Form No. 10.] 
ASSESSMENT NOTICE. 



Assessment No 

Lodge, No. 



A, O. TJ. W. 



18 



Bro 

You are hereby notified of the death of Bro 

of Lodge No , of , who 

died day of ,18.., aged years; cause 

of death, Also of Bro of 

Lodge No , of , who 

died the day of , ..,18.., aged years; 

cause of death, 

The above were Master Workmen in good standing and entitled 
to all the benefits of ihe Order. 

The above assessments must be paid on or before the 28th of 
this month, otherwise you stand suspended from all benetits of 
the Beneficiary Fund of the Order. 



Received Payment. 



Financier. 



[Form No. 11.] 
FINANCIERS 1 ASSESSMENT BOOK. 



Names of Members. 


No. Remitted $' 18 

Name. 

Lodge No. Died. 18 


No. Remitted $ 18 

Name. 

Lodge No. Died. 18 




$ 


Back 
Assmts. 


$ 


Back 
Assmts. 


Amounts brought forward, 











151 

[ Form No. 12.] 
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN. 

CLEARANCE CARD. 

[Seal of Supreme Lodge.] 

This is to Certify, That Brother is a Master 

Workman Degree Member in good standing of .... 

Louge, No. , A. O U W., located at , County 

of , and State of Being 

desirous of withdrawing from this Lodge, for the purpose of 
joining another, he has paid all liabilities against him to the Gen- 
eral Fund of the Lodge up to day of 

18. . . He is entitled to all the benefits of the Order and subject 
to all the requirements thereof. 

Beneficiary Assessments against him to be paid to this Lodge 
until he shall be admitted to membership in another Lodge. 

In testimony whereof, the Master 
Workman and Recorder of said 
[Seal of Subordinate Lodge,] Lodge inscribed their names here- 
to and affix the seal thereof, this 

day of ,18.. 

Master Workman. 

, Recorder. 

Note.— The Investigating Committee, before reporting on the 
admission of the Brother to the Membership on deposit of this 
Card, must correspond with the Lodge granting the same, and 
receive notice that all assessments against the Brother have been 
paid. 



[Form No. 13] 
FINAL CARD. 

[ Seal of Supreme Lodge.] 

Lodge No , A. O. U. W., of 

State of 

Be it Known to All Whom it May Concern, That our well-be- 
loved Brother , of Lodge No 

of the A. O U. W. of the State of , being desirous 

of receiving a Final Card, and severing his connection with the 
Order, having honorably paid up all demands against him in 
dues to this Lodge and the Beneficiary Fund, the same is hereby 
granted and he hereby relinquishes all his rights and privileges 
to the same. 

Given under our hands and the 

v Seal of this Lodge, this 

[Seal of Subordinate Lodge.] day of , 18. . 

L J .... ,M. W. 

, Recorder. 

Name of Brother receiving Card. 



152 



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153 

[Form No. 16.] 

a. o. u. w. 

BENEFICIARY RETURN. 

From Lodge No On Assessment No. . 

Date, 18. 

Beneficiary Fund paid on last Report, 

M. W. in good standing at last Report, 

M. W. Degree conferred since last Report, 

M. W. reinstated " " " 

M. W. admitted by card " " c< 

Total, 

M. W. suspended since last Report : 

1st, For non-payment of dues, 

2d, For non-payment of assessments, 

M. W. withdrawn since last Report, 

M. W. died " " " .. 

Total, — 

M. W. in good standing at this date, 

M. W. not liable on this call, 

Beneficiary due on membership in good standing,. .$ 
Deposit of M. W. died, finally withdrawn, or sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues $ 

Back Beneficiary received on reinstated members . .$ 

Total Beneficiary due on this Report, 



. Financier. 






Brother , Grand Recorder : 

I hereby certify that the above is a correct report of the M.W. 

in good standing in Lodge, No , as shown by 

the books ot the Lodge. Inclosed please find $ , in full on 

Assessment No 

Please place the same to proper credit, and acknowledge re- 
ceipt. Yours, in C, H. and P., 

Attest: M. W. 

, Recorder. 

BENEFICIARY RETURN. 

From Lodge, No Assessment No , 

18 . No. M. W Amount of Beneficiary paid, $ 

Heceived, 18 . 

, Grand Recorder. 

Remarks. 

Names of M. W not liable on this Return, with date each 
received Third Degree. 

Names of persons suspended since last Report, with dates. 

Names of persons reinstated since last Report, with dates. 



;i54 

[Form No. 17.] 
FINANCIER'S RECEIPT TO MEMBERS. 

Lodge, No , A. O. U. W. 

No 18.. 

Received from Bro 

Assessment No , $ 

Dues to ,18.. $ 



Total, $ 

, Financier. 



[Form No. 18.] 
RECEIVER'S RECEIPT TO FINANCIER. 

A. O. TJ. W. 

No ,18.. 

Received of , Financier of 

Lodge, No , A. O. U. W., Dollars. 

Beneficiary Fund, $ General Fund, $ 

$ , Receiver. 



[Form No. 19.] 
SUBORDINATE LODGE WARRANT. 

A. O. TJ. W. 

No ,18.. 

Receiver of ; Lodge, No. . . . « , 

Ancient Order of United Workmen, 

Pay to , or Order, Dollars. 

, M. W. 

,R. 



[Form No. 20.] 
A. O. U. W. BOND. 

We, , as principal, and • , 

as sureties, are held and firmly bound unto J 

Master Workman of Lodge, No , Ancient 

Order of United Workman, located at , in the 

County of and State of 



155 

and his successor in office, in trust for the use and benefit of said 

Lodge, in the penal sum of dollars, well and 

truly to be paid; we bind ourselves, our heirs, &c, jointly and 
sevei ally, this dny ,18 . 

The condition of this obligation is, that the said 

has been duly elected of said Lodge for the 

term commencing day of ,18 , 

and until his successor shall be elected and installed. 

Now if the said , shall truly and faithfully 

discharge and pe»form all the duties required of him by the laws 
and regulations of the said Ancient Order of Unittd Workmen, 
and of said Lodge; and shall faithfully account for and pay 
over, as required by said laws and regulations, all money and 
property belonging to such Lodge, which may come to his hands, 

as as aforesaid, and shall also comply with the 

following condition: "The Beneficiary Fund which may come 
into my hands shall be preserved by me, intact, and paid over by 
me as the law of the Order directs, and in no case shall any claim 
which I may have against the Order be settled or plead by me as 
an offset against the collection from me of any of said fund, by 
suit on this bond;" then this obligation is to be void, else to re- 
main in full force. 



[Form No. 21.] 
RECEIPT FOR DEATH BENEFIT. 

Received of the Supreme Lodge Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, which sum is in 
full of all claim and demand existing under the within Certifi- 
cate. 

Witness hand and Seal this day of ,18 . 

. [seal.] 

WITNESS. 

.[seal.] 



[Form No. 22.] 
FORMS FOR TRIALS. 

As suggestions, and with the view of rendering assistance to 
Lodges in conducting trials, the following u Forms" are given: 

[A.] 

CHARGE. 

To Lodge, No , A. O. U W. 

Brother A B , a member of this Lodge, is hereby 

charged with immoral and unbecoming conduct. 



156 

Specification 1. That the said A. B., on the day of , 

18 . . , at , in the County of , State 

of . , did in violation of 

the laws of the Order and of his duties as a member thereof. 

18 . C D , 

This form should be varied to suit the circumstances of each 
particular case. In some cases, immoral should be omitted and 
only unbecoming used; in others, both may be used. Additional 
specifications should be inserted as the facts of the case require. 
The time, place, and circumstances constituting the offense should 
be given, as far as possible, with precision and accuracy. 

[B] 

NOTICE. 

Lodge, No , A. 0. U. W. 

,18 . 

Brother A B : 

At a stated meeting of this Lodge 18 , the 

charge and specifications, a copy of which accompany this no- 
tice, were preferred against you, and I was directed to notify you 
that the same will be Uken up for consideration by said Lodge at 
its meeting 18 . 

I>s.] ^ - , 

Recorder. 

If the Lodge shall determine to appoint a committee, it should 
give to the accuser and accused notice of the time and place 
fixed for the investigation, in substance as follows: 

[C] 

NOTICE. 

Brother : 

Having been appointed a committee, by Lodge, No. 

, A. O. U. W., to investigate the charges preferred by 

against , you are hereby notified that we will proceed to 

do so, at on 18 , when and where you 

will attend and produce your proofs and witnesses in relation to 
said charge. 

,18 . 



Committee. 
[D.] 

REPORT. 



To Lodge, No , A. O. U. W.: 

The Committee appointed to investigate the charges preferred 

by against , have attended to that 

duty and respectfully report: 

The Committee notified both parties that they would meet at 
on . , , 18 , to proceed with the in- 



157 

vestigation of said charge. & copy of said notice was handed to 
each party, as shown by the endorsement on the copy tiled as a 
part of this report, marked ''A." 

At the time and place fixed, said parties appeared and the Com- 
mitiee proceeded with the investigation. 

The accused pleaded not guilty to said charge and specifica- 
tions. For the accuser the following witnesses were examined : 

The deposition of said 

witnesses are filed herewith as part of this report, maiked "B," 
" C," " D." 

For the accused the following witnesses were examined : 

Their deposi- 
tions are filed herewith as part of this report, marked " E," " F," 
"G." 

After arguments by the parties, the Committee considered the 
testimony submitted, and are of opinion : 

1. That the charge is sustained by the proof. 

2. That specification 1 is sustained. 

3. That specification 2 is sustained. 

The Committee, therefore, report that in their opinion the ac- 
cused is guilty. 

Noticewas given to the parties that this report would be sub- 
mitted to the Lodge at its meeting , 18. . 

Respectfully Submitted, 

18.. 



Committee. 
The wording of this report must be changed, of course, so a& 
to give what was done by the Committee. 



[E.] 

NOTICE OF JUDGMENT. 

Lodge, , A. O. U. W. 

, 38.. 

To A B : 

At a meeting of this Lodge, on , 18. ., the report 

of the Committee appointed to investigate the charge preferred 

against you by , was consideied, the same 

adopted, and you adjudged guilty of said charge, and specifica- 
tions. You were, thereupon, by vote of the Lodge, expelled from 
all the rights, privileges and benefits of the Order. 

O s.] 

Recorder. 

Should the accused desire to appeal, he should give notice 
thereof to the Lodge. 



158 
[F.] 

NOTICE OF APPEAL. 

To , Recorder of Lodge, No _ 

A O. U. W. : 

Take notice, that I shall bring an appeal from the decision of 

said Lodge on the day of , 18. ., in passing 

sentence of expulsion on me to the , {Grand Master 

Workman, or Supreme Master Workman, as the case may be,) on 
the grounds to be stated in my appeal. 

, 18. . A B 

[G.] 

APPEAL. 

To {Or and Master Workman, or Supreme Master 

Workman) : 

The undersigned hereby appeals to you from the decision of 

Lodge, No \ A. O. U. W., made. on the 

day of , 18. ., in passing sentence of expulsion on 

him, and he specifies the following as the grounds of his appeal : 

1st. That 

2d. That 

, 18 . . A B 

A copy of this appeal should be furnished the Lodge. 

The Lodge may, if it sees proper, submit, with the copy of the 
minutes relating to the matter, an answer to the appeal. 

[H.] 

ANSWER TO APPEAL. 

Lodge, No , A. O. U. W., answers the appeal 

of A B , and says : 

1st. That 

2d. That 

[l. s ] , M. W. 

Attest : , Recorder. 

The Recorder, in preparing the transcript or copy of the min- 
utes, should be very careful to give fully and exactly all that 
transpired on the trial, giving full copies ; never, unless ordered 
by the Lodge as to some particular document, sending up original 
papers. The transcript should be made in a plain, legible hand- 
writing, and fastened at top of paper. The Recorder should, under 
the seal of the Lodge, certify to the correctness of the transcript. 

CERTIFICATE TO TRANSCRIPT. 

I, , Recorder of Lodge, No. 

...., A. O. U. W., do certify that the foregoing is a full, true 
and perfect transcript of all the proceedings had by said Lodge, 
upon the charge preferred by against , 



159 

as the same appears upon the records of said Lodge, and on file 
in the archives thereof. 

,13 • 

I>s.] , 

Recorder. 

The same forms with proper changing will answer for trials 
conducted in Grand Lodges or the Supreme Lodge, and also in 
appeals from Grand Master Workmen to Grand Lodges and from 
the latter to the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Master Workman, 
and also, from decisions of the latter to the Supreme Lodge. 



Incorporation of the Supreme Lodge. 



CH^DPTIER, 135 



AN ACT 

To Incorporate the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen of Kentucky. 

Whereas, certain persons, citizens of Kentucky, are desirous 
of forming a corporation to promote and advance scientific and 
mechanical pursuits in said State and elsewhere; therefore, be it 
enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Ken- 
tucky. 

Section 1. That R D. Handy, J. W. H. Searls, A. J. Francis, 
*C. Shryock, George Pitts, W. H. Turner, J. B. Taylor, Frank 
McDonald, J. W. Crutcher, and their successors, be and they are 
hereby created a body politic and corporate, by the name, style 
and title of " The Ancient Order of United Workmen of Ken- 
tucky," and by such name and title shall have perpetual succes- 
sion, and be capable in law of suing and being sued, pleading 
and being impleaded, and of purchasing, holding, granting and 
receiving, in its corporate name, property, real, personal and 
mixed, and of instituting such Subordinate Lodges as it may see 
fit, under such rules, by-laws and regulations as^ the corporation 
may establish, not in conflict with the Constitution and laws of 
the Commonwealth or of the United States. 

Sec. 2. The object of the corporation shall be to improve the 
moral, mental and social condition of the members of the Lodges 
under its jurisdiction, and to prevent strikes among all classes, 
by exhausting all honorable means in its power for such an end. 

Sec. 3. The said corporation shall have a common seal for the 
making and delivering of all legal acts and proceedings, and the 
same to break or alter at pleasure. 

Sec. 4. It shall be lawful for the corporation to create, hold, 
manage and disburse a beneficiary fund for the relief of the mem- 



161 

bers and their families of the Lodges established by this corpora- 
tion, or of sister Lodges established by other Grand Lodges, work- 
ing under and subordinate to a Supreme Lodge, under such regu- 
lations as may be adopted by the corporation or by the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Sec. 5. Such beneficiary fund as the corporation may deem 
suitable and proper may be set apart and provided to be paid over 
to the families of deceased members, or the heirs of such de- 
ceased members, or to such persons as such deceased members 
may, whilst living, direct ; the collecting, management and dis- 
bursement of the same, as well as the person or persons to whom 
the same shall be paid, on the death of a deceased member, shall 
be controlled and regulated by the rules and by-laws of the cor- 
poration ; and any such fund so provided and set apart shall be 
exempt from execution, and shall under no circumstances be 
liable to be seized, taken or appropriated by any legal or equitable 
process to pay any debt of such deceased member. 

Sec. 0. The said corporation may make and constitute for the 
same such officers as it may deem necessary and proper, whose 
term of office shall expire on the second Tuesday of January of 
each and every year, or when their successors are elected, quali- 
fied, and installed in office. 

Sec. 7. A. Supreme Lodge may be established by this Grand 
Lodge in conjunction with other Grand Lodges; and when so 
established, the -officers thereof and their successors in perpetuity 
shall become a body politic and corporate, under the name and 
style of " The Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen of the United States," and on accepting this charter 
shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities 
therein contained, with power to establish other Grand Lodges 
within the United States with like powers, privileges and immu- 
nities, but subordinate to said Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. 8. The said Grand Lodge, or any of its Subordinates may, 
for enabling them to build any building in which they shall have, 
a hall for the use of their Lodge, issue their bonds, not to exceed 
five thousand (5,000) dollars, and bearing interest not to exceed* 
eight per cent, per annum; they may also issue their bonds, not 
to exceed two thousand (2,000) dollars, for the purpose of tem- 
porarily relieving them in raising money to pay the insurance on 
their deceased members , but at no time shall any Lodge therein 
incur an indebtedness to exceed seven (700) dollars. 

Sec. 9 This act shall take effect from and after its passage.. 

James B. McCreary, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

G. A. C. Holt, 
Speaker of the Senate pro tern. 

Approved, 11th of February, 1873. 

P. H. Leslie, 
Governor Commonwealth of Kentucky. 






H 



INDEX 



AGE. Page. 

Applicants for membership must be over twenty-one and under fifty 

years of _ 460 

How computed 461 

Suspended member may be reinstated when over fifty years of .318, 319 

AMENDMENTS. 

To Constitution of Supreme Lodge to be made by two-thirds of en- 
rolled vote 105 

To Subordinate Lodge Constitution of Supreme Lodge must be 

adopted by a two-thirds vote 106 

To General Laws to be made by two- thirds of enrolled vote 107 

To Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws, how made 126 

To Grand or Subordinate Lodge Constitutions, to make them con- 
form to requirements of Supreme Lodge, may be made by a 

majority vote at any session of Grand Lodge 127 

To Subordinate Lodge Constitutions in general 122 

To By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges 354, 355 

APPEALS. 

To Supreme Lodge, how made 650 

Proceedings upon 650 

Effect of 650 

Will be dismissed if not properly made 651 

From decision of Subordinate Lodge 652 

By Lodge __ 653 

In general _ 654 

On questions of law cannot be submitted to Subordinate Lodge 655 

On questions of order to be made to Lodge in which question arises, 656 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

Age of Applicant 460, 461 

Qualifications of Applicant 463 

Loss of right arm not a disqualification 464 

Must be»in writing 465 

Applicant must be recommended by two members 465 

Fee and medical certificate must accompany application 466 

Cannot be referred to Committee of Investigation without Medical 

Examiner's Certificate _ 469 

Medical Examiner's concluding Certificate must in all cases be read, 470 

Certificate should be read in full if called for 470 

An unfavorable report from the Medical Examiner constitutes a re- 
jection 472 

Application must be read at stated meeting and referred to commit- 
tee 475 

When report of Committee is to be made 476 

A majority of the Commitee on, may report 478 

Duties of the Committee on ._ 479 

Committee on, cannot be compelled to report on the night of ap- 
pointment _ - # _.. 480 

An unfavorable report from the Committee on, constitutes a rejec- 
tion 481,483 

Requirements before ballot. 482 



166 

Residence of applicants 491 

Notice to other Lodges upon 493 

Forfeiture of proposition fee by failure of applicant to attend 494 

Rejected applicant cannot renew application until after six months, 483 
Renewal of application, after a rejection, must be made to same 

Lodge, unless consent be given _. 496 

Withdrawal of 497 

Return of proposition fee after rejection of 498 

(See Balloting ) 

ASSESSMENTS FOR BENEFICIARY FUND. 

General constitutional provisions relating to.L 238 

Notice of, to Subordinate Lodges _239, 240, 241 

Not to be made until there is less than $2,000 in Beneficiary Fund .. 242 

Must be approved by Finance Committee... 242 

Surplus of _. 244 

Notice of, to members 245 

Must be paid by members before the 28th day of the month 246 

Apply only to members who have received the third degree prior to 

the date of the death __ 245, 249, 250 

New members advance payment of, when forwarded 250, 277 

To be made upon members of new Lodges upon all deaths occur- 
ring after the organization of the Lodge... 251 

To be entered in book kept by Financier 253 

Two or more at the same time 255, 256 

Notice of, not to be sent to suspended member 258, 261 

Not to be received from member suspended for non-payment of 

dues 257,258 

May be paid by Lodge for delinquent member 259, 260 

How to be numbered by Supreme Recorder _ 262 

Non-payment of, does not affect standing of member except in ben- 
eficiary rights, until six months in arrears 307 

Account of, how closed upon death, or withdrawal of member ..263, 264 

BALLOTING. 

To take place if report of committee be favorable 483 

If only one black ball appears, the candidate is elected 483 

Two or more black balls reject the candidate -- --- 483 

After rejection, no other ballot can take place for six months, unless 

objectors withdraw their objections _ --- 483 

If second ballot is not taken until the expiration of three months, 

applicant must be re-examined _. 484 

After unfavorable ballot, new ballot may be taken, if mistake has 

been made _ - 486 

After favorable ballot, new ballot may be taken on call for same . . 485 

Form of 487 

When to take place ~ 488 

Hight to use black balls without giving reasons - - 489 

On application for degrees „ 510, 513 

3ENEFICIARY CERTIFICATES. 

Issued by Supreme Lodge, or under its authority 187 

How numbered 109 

Form of - 189 

Amount of 190, 191 

To be taken out by all members 192 

Application for, when and how made 193, 194 

How forwarded 195,201 

Irregularity in 196 

Fee for 197 

Grand Lodges may reduce fee for 199 

Issue and delivery of 200, 201 

To be countersigned and attested _ 200 

To be recorded in books of Subordinate Lodge... 200 

Delay in issue of — right of member 200 

Issue of, to members of New Lodges - 202 

Exchange of old for new form of, ..203, 204 

Change of direction as to payment of 205 






167 

Payment to administrator, of amount of 206. 233 

Report of, from Subordinate Lodges ..222, 223 

Record of, to be kept by Supreme and Grand Recorder 224 

Suspended or expelled members forfeit all claims under 226 

How paid and cancelled 230 

To be produced on renewal of membership 234 

Endorsement on, when Lodge membership is changed 237 

To be canceled when card is deposited in another jurisdiction 632 

(See Suspension of Beneficiary Certificate.) 

BENEFICIARY FUND 

Laws and regulations of Supreme Lodge relating to, binding through- 
out the Order 265, 266 

Shall be sacredly kept and applied ... 267 

Amount of, due to beneficiaries must be paid without deduction 268 

Account of, to be kept separate from General Fund _ 269 

To be paid over to Receiver each meeting night 271 

Amount of, received, to be recorded on the minutes of Subordinate 

Lodge 271 

To be forwarded from Subordinate Lodge, upon receipt of notice .. 273 

Record of amount forwarded to be entered upon the minutes 273 

Amount of, which Subordinate Lodge is required to forward 274 

Must be forwarded without delay - - _ . _ .285, 286 

How forwarded when two or more assessments are made at the 

same time 275 

How advance payment of each member is kept and forwarded 277 

Failure of Subordinate Lodge to forward 286 

How account of, with member is closed, at death or withdrawal. 

263, 264, 278 
Arrearages received, to be forwarded upon first draft thereafter ... 279 

Manner of forwarding . 287, 290 

How receipted for _ 291 

To be turned over to Supreme or Grand Receiver 292 

Fee to be forwarded with 281, 282 

Monthly statement of, to be made and sent to each Subordinate Lodge 294 
Shall not be drawn upon except with approval of Finance Commit- 
tee .-.. _ 61,180 

BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 

Outline of Chapter V, page 38. 

BONDS OF OFFICERS. 

Clause to be contained in all _ 403 

In Subordinate Lodges, must be executed and approved before in- 
stallation _ 402 

How kept ...412,413 

(See separate titles of officers.) 

BY-LAWS. 

Must be adopted by every Subordin ate Lodge 356 

How adopted and altered by Subordinate Lodges.. 354 

Grand Lodge - ..._. 126 

CARD, CLEARANCE. 

How obtained .- 618 

Difference from withdrawal card 619 

Duty of Lodge to grant to a member in good standing 621 

Proceedings, if application for, is refused 620 

Not to be granted for a longer term than six months 622 

Member receiving, to pay dues up to time of expiration . . . 623 

Fee for, to be fixed by the Lodge _ 622 

May be annulled for cause _. ■ . _ 624 

Member holding, to be under control of Lodge issuing 625 

To notify Recorder, and to forward assessments .. 625 

Deposit of, in jurisdiction in which issued 627 

Duty of Committee and Recorder 628 

Notice to Lodge from which issued ...629 

Duty of Lodgre from which issued, duty of Recorder, etc 630 

Expiration of time on _. 631 



168 

Deposit of, in different jurisdiction 632 

Fees to be paid upon.. _ __. 632 

Beneficiary Certificate to be cancelled _ .„ 632 

Duty of Recorder of Lodge receiving 11.".. 632 

Of Lodge issuing _ _ 632 

Beneficiary deposit to be forwarded, when 63S 

May be deposited by brother over fifty years of age 634 

How obtained by members of defunct Lodges 37ft 

Form of _ Appendix, page 151 

To be printed and provided only by Supreme Lodge 2 

CARD, FINAL. 

How obtained 635 

Form of Appendix, page 151 

To be printed and provided only by Supreme Lodge 2 

CHARGES AND OFFENCES. 

Violation of laws, etc 637 

Unlawful useof funds _ 639 

Immoral or unbecoming conduct _ 1 640 

Charges to be made in writing 641 

To be read at stated meeting 642 

Accused to be notified. 642 

To have privilege of counsel 643 

Charges to be referred to a committee 642 

Proceedings of committee upon 643 

Action of Lodge upon 643 

Two-thirds vote required, when 644 

Failure of accused to appear : 646 

Witnesses may be called who are not members of the Order 647 

Members of whatever rank may be tried in Subordinate Lodge 648 

Officers under charges shall continue to officiate unless otherwise 

ordered 649 

(See Appeals.) 

CHARTER. 

Of Supreme Lodge by the Legislature of Kentucky. Appendix, page 160 
Cannot be obtained by Subordinate Lodge from legislature, without 
consent of Grand Lodge .. - 349 

CHARTERS. 

To Grand Lodges and to Subordinate Lodges under immediate jur- 
isdiction, to be issued by Supreme Lodge __ 2 

Chromatic seal to be attached to .. 95 

For all Lodges, to be printed and provided by Supreme Lodge 2 

Revocation of Grand Lodge 166, 167 

Surrender of Subordinate Lodge 369 

Forfeiture of " " 370 

COLORS. 

Distinguishing, of Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Lodges 580 

COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION. 

Duty of - 475,476,479 

Recommender, not to be one of 477 

Majority may report 478 

Cannot report until constitutional time 480 

Unfavorable report of, is a rejection — 481 

COMMITTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Relief Committee, duties of 459 

Business Committee, appointment of 412 

Dutiesof. 4o8 

Committee of Investigation 475 

All committees appointed by the Master Workman, unless otherwise 

ordered... - 457 

Auditing Committees; appointment and duties of 412 

CONSTITUTIONS, HOW AMENDED. 
(See Amendments.) 






169 

CROSSING THE HALL. 

Meaning of term as used in Ritual 597 

DEATH OF MEMBER. 

Notice of, to Supreme or Grand Recorder 227 

Proof of.. 228 

Duties of Supreme and Grand Recorder upon receiving notice of, 230, 231 

Supreme or Grand Recorder to draw order for death benefit 230 

Duty of Subordinate Lodge to see that death benefit is paid to the 

persons entitled to it 232 

If Medical Examiner's Certificate has been lost, facts to be certified 

in notice to Supreme or Grand Recorder ._ 229 

How assessment account is closed, upon 263, 264 

Amount of $2,000 must be paid without any deduction ... 268 

"Beneficiary deposit of one dollar to be forwarded, upon 278 

DECISIONS. 

Of Supreme Lodge are law throughout the Order 84 

Of Supreme Master Workman are binding unless changed by Su- 
preme Lodge _ 84 

Not to be made in answer to abstract questions 85 

DEFUNCT OR SUSPENDED LODGES. 

Members of, may receive cards 376 

Not entitled to card if three months in arrears on assess- 
ments 377 

Stand suspended, if six months in arrears _ 377 

Must deposit card within six months 376 

Reinstatement after suspension from the Order 327 

Funds and effects of 373, 374 

DEGREES. 

Remarks concerning 500 

Must be conferred at stated meetings 501 

Not more than one degree to be conferred upon same member at 

one meeting without a dispensation ._ 501, 502, 503 

Fee for dispensation for conferring 504 

Not to be conferred by another Lodge without written consent 505 

Application for advancement in _ 510 

Application for second and third, to be made immediately after ini- 
tiation ___ 512 

Balloting upon application for -.__ 510, 513 

Two black balls reject an application for 510 

Second application for, not to be entertained for, month 510 

Forfeiture of right to, after election; by failure to appear, for four 

weeks. _. 514 

New medical examination required, if third is not taken within 

three months 516 

Applicants for must comply with beneficiary article 517 

Degree work uniform throughout the Order 518 

Fees for conferring -.549, 550, 551 

Grand Lodges may provide for but one ballot for all three. ._ 513 

DEGREE OF HONOR. 

How and by whom conferred 519, 520 

Organization of Degree of Honor Lodges 521 

Officers and their duties 523 

Election and appointment of officers 524, 525 

Proceedings of special meeting for conferring, not to be entered on 
minutes of Subordinate Lodge .-. 527 

Semi-annual pass-word of, to be communicated to district deputy.. 528 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 

Are not Officers of Grand Lodges 151 

Duties of, etc 152 

May use printed seal of Grand Lodge 666 

DEPUTY SUPREME MASTER WORKMEN. 

May be appointed by the Supreme Master Workman 79 

Are not Officers of the Supreme Lodge 80 



170 

Compensation of, for instituting Grand and Subordinate Lodges. 81 

Instructions to, Chapter XXIV 125 

Charter application 

Age of applicants ........ 

Fee for membership and degrees "".[[[[[[[[ 

Medical examination 

Balloting between Charter applicants 

Number of persons to constitute a Lodge 

Addition of names to Charter application ! 

Signing contract and directing payment of Beneficiary Fund 

Instructions to new Lodges _ 

Returns and reports to Supreme Master Workman and Supreme 

Recorder _ 

Fee for instituting Lodge "" 

DISPENSATIONS. 

Limitation of power to grant 157 

For conferring degrees 501, 502, 503 

Fee for 504 

To extend Charter privileges in new Lodge 600 

DISPUTES AND GRIEVANCES. 

May be specified to presiding officer _ 636 

Committee to be appointed and report made 636 

If dissatisfaction continue, trial to be had in regular form 636 

DUES. 

Minimum amount of 554, 555 

Time of commencement of r 556 

Non-payment of, disqualification for 219, 557, 558 

(See also preliminary note to Chapter IX.) 

Of brothers receiving sick benefits 545 

Suspension for non-payment of 221, 303, 304 

ELECTIONS. 

(See Officers ) 

EMBLEM. 

Of the Order 563 

Degree of Honor 581 

EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

Names of, to be forwarded by Recorders with monthly returns 146 

Register of same to be kept in Supreme and Grand Lodges 146 

Full alphabetical lists of, to be kept in each Subordinate Lodge 146 

EXTENSION OF THE ORDER. 

Restrictions upon the 674,675 

FEES. 

For degrees not to be less than five dollars in any case 549 

In Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of Supreme 

Lodge, not to be less than nine dollars. 550, 551 

No part of, can be paid back to members 552, 553 

Grand Lodges may fix at any sum above five dollars . . . 551 

To accompany beneficiary remittance _ 281, 282 

For Clearance Cards to be fixed by Lodge _ 622 

For deposit of Card in new Lodge to be not less than two dollars. .. 601 

In other Lodges, same 627 

Grand Lodges may increase 614 

For Beneficiary Certificate - 194, 197, 198, 199 

FINANCIER. 

To pay over beneficiary moneys to Receiver each meeting night 444 

To report in writing .__ 444 

Manner of keeping account of members' advance payment to Ben- 
eficiary Fund 277 

To keep assessment book _ 253, 254, 442 

An account with each member 439 

Receive moneys and pay over to Receiver 439 

Notify members who are three months in arrears for dues. 439 



171 



Notify the Master Workman when a member is six months in ar- 
rears for dues. _. . 439 

Make out semi-annual financial return J ._ 439 

Make out report for per capita tax 439 

Furnish the Recorder, at the end of the term, with a list of members 

and their standing .. 439 

Send out assessment notices 441 

Report members who are in arrears on beneficiary assessments 210, 445 
Report when members are in arrears on assessments for six months, 

301, 302 
Pay assessment arrearages received into the Beneficiary Fund, and 

notify the Lodge . 443 

Duties of, may be varied by Grand Lodges, except as to beneficiary 
laws, etc 440 

FINES. 

For neglect of duty to sick member 560 

Officers for non-attendance 561 

Cannot be imposed upon members for non-attendance 562 

FOREMAN. 

Duties of 418,421 

Is a member of Relief Committee 420 

Becomes Master Workman, when 419 



FORMS. 
No. 1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5 
6. 



10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 

22. 



Application for membership Appendix, 

Medical Examiner's report " 

Application for beneficiary certificate " 

Beneficiary certificate " 

Death report " 

Change of direction as to payment of ben- 
eficiary certificate " 

Beneficiary monthly report from Subordi- 
nate Lodge •■ 

Semi-annual report *' 

Beneficiary certificate register book 

Assessment notice " 

Financier's assessment book " 

Clearance card " 

Final card _ 

Receiver's cash book.. _ " 

Roll book " 

Finanier's A. O. U. W. return. " 

Financier's receipt to members " 

Receiver's receipt to Financier " 

Subordinate Lodge warrant .. " 

Bond of Officers 

Receipt for death benefit cancelling benefi- 
ciary certificate 

Forms of trials . " 

(A.) Charge 

Notices of charges. 

Notice of time of investigation 

Committee's report 

Notice of judgment 

Notice of appeal 

Appeal 

Answer to appeal 

Certificate to transcript 



page 137 
* k 137 
11 141 
• 4 142 
" 143 
144 



145 
146 
149 
150 
150 
151 
151 
152 
152 
153 
154 
154 
154 
154 



155 
155 



(B.) 
(C) 
(D.) 
(E.) 
(F.) 

(a) 

(H.) 

(I.) 



FUNDS. 

Beneficiary, to be kept separate .. - 267,269 

Of Subordinate Lodge only to be paid out upon orders drawn upon 

the Receiver 366 

Officers to deposit in their official capacity 407 

Unlawful use of funds, penalty for 639 



172 

FUNERALS. 

Attendance of members at 673 

Regalia to be used at .".".".".576, 577 

GENERAL LAWS. 

Maybe adopted by the Supreme Lodge 2 

Can only be altered by a vote of two thirds of the members enrolled, 107 

GRAND FOREMAN. 

Duties of 142 

GRAND GUIDE. 

Duties of 148 

GRAND LODGES. 

Are established by authority of the Supreme Lodge 108 

Are formed upon the petition of ten or more Subordinate Lodges 

in a State, District or Territory Ill 

Cannot be instituted until all arrearages due the Supreme Lodge 

are paid _ _,.__. 110 

Are composed of Past Master Workmen in good standing __. 108 

Have full control and authority over their Subordinate Lodges, sub- 
ject to appeal to the Supreme Lodge _ 121 

Must adopt uniform constitution for Subordinate Lodges, consist- 
ent with general laws, etc 121 

Must enforce the laws and regulations of the Order in their juris- 
dictions 123 

May issue beneficiary certificates, and collect and disburse Benefi- 
ciary Fund in accordance with rules of Supreme Lodge 125 

May adopt constitutions and by-laws, subject to approval 126, 127 

May provide for a twelve months' term in Subordinate Lodges 124 

Cannot set aside their constitutions 128 

May transact legislative business on a representative basis 156 

Suspension of, for failure to pay per capita tax or make returns, 163, 164 

Forfeiture of Charter 166 

Must comply with the requirements of the Supreme Lodge as to 

ritualistic work 168 

Blue, the distinguishing color of _ 169 

Meetings, time of 170 

May reduce or abolish fee for beneficiary certificate 194, 199 

May provide for but one ballot upon application for the three de- 
grees 513 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

Enumeration of. - 113 

To be elected at annual meeting 113 

Extension of term unlawful .. ._ 116 

To hold their offices until their successors are elected and qualified, 114 

Eligibility... 117,118 

Installation of 119, 120 

Vacation of office by failure to file bond within specified time 153 

(See separate titles, Grand Master Workman, etc.) 

GRAND LODGES, AS SEPARATE JURISDICTIONS. 

When and how set apart 174, 175 

Conditions to be complied with 174 

To manage beneficiary fund as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge .. 176 
Responsibility of, for assessments on deaths previous to separation, 177 
Not entitled to any surplus moneys in beneficiary fund of Supreme 

Lodge.... 178 

May provide for increase of beneficiary fund.... _ 182, 183 

Shall revert to jurisdiction of Supreme Lodge if membership be- 
comes less than 2,000. _ 185 

May provide for sinking or relief fund... 184 

GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 

Duties of 140 

Office of, does not become vacant 141 

GRAND OVERSEER. 

Duties of - 143 






173 

GRAND RECORDER. 

General duties of 144 

To make monthly and yearly reports to Supreme Recorder 145 

Duties of, in connection with lists of expelled members 146 

In Grand Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge _ _ 171 

In Grand Lodges set apart as separate jurisdictions, 179, 180, 181 

To report beneficiary fund to Supreme Recorder _ 181 

. "Who has served two years consecutively may be entitled to honors 
of P. G. M. W 134 

GRAND RECEIVER. 

Duties of, in general 147 

In Grand Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary juris- 
dictions 179 

GRAND TRUSTEES. 

Three to be elected at institution of Grand Lodge 115 

One to be elected each year, after Grand Lodge is established 115 

Term of office, of „ 115 

Duties of 149 

GRAND WATCHMAN. 

Dutiesof 148 

INCORPORATION OF SUPREME LODGE. 

Act of Legislature of Kentucky Appendix, page 160 

Acceptance by Supreme Lodge " " 133 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

When to take place 393,394 

Not to be public 398 

To be at stated meeting 399, 400 

In Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction 397 

INSTALLING OFFICER. 

Dutiesof 395, 396 

Who may be _ _. 396,397,399 

44 INSURANCE." 

Term not to be used on official papers.. . 676, 

INVITATIONS, 

To receptions, excursions, etc., not to be accepted by Supreme 
Lodge, except by a two-thirds vote 92 

IRREGULAR ADMISSION TO THE ORDER. 

Status of member obtaining 662 

JEWELS OF OFFICE. 

Description of ., 565 

JUNIOR WORKMEN. 

Duty of, to sick ordisabled members.-- 506 

Amenable to laws as other members 507 

Rights of, in Lodge 508 

To attention and aid 509 

Liability for dues _ 556 

Per capita tax for, not required 162 

LIQUORS. 

Intoxicating, prohibited at banquets, etc 672 

MASTER WORKMAN, 

To preside at Lodge meetings, preserve order and enforce the laws, 412 

To decide questions of order 412 

To act as judge of elections 412 

To appoint all committees, unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge, 412 

To sign orders for moneys 412 

Not entitled to vote, except in election of officers and balloting for 

candidates 412 

To have casting vote incase of tie 412 

To open and close the Lodge in due form 412 



174 



To appoint business and Auditing Committees 412 

To hold bonds of subordinate officers ." 412 

Is chairman of Relief Committee ..-.___ 459 

Duty to take care of Rituals 414 

Office of , does not become vacant _ 419 

Eligibility to office of _ 408, 410,411 

Is justified in refusing to entertain a question he believes contrary 

to constitution _ _ _ ,.-.. 657 

Is not entitled to rank of P. M. W. if he resigns before the end of 

the term 540 

Re-election of, does not interfere with right to rank of P. M. W 541 

MEDICAL EXAMINERS. 

Must be regular physicians _ fl ..467, 474 

Lodge may elect more than one examiner, who must be members, if 
practicable ._._ __. 473 

Examinations made by regular physicians not members of the Or- 
der may be accepted; when 471 

Should report applicants whom they find physically disqualified 472 

MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT. 

Form of _ Appendix, page 137 

Must accompany application 467 

Concluding certificate of, must be read in Lodge .... 470 

Whole to be read, when called for _ 470. 

To be forwarded to Supreme or Grand Recorder 195 

When unfavorable, constitutes a rejection of the applicant 472 

MINUTES OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

Can only be approved at stated meetings... J. 661 

Record of suspension of beneficiary certificates to be entered upon, 210 
Record of amount of beneficiary fund forwarded to be entered 

upon r 273 

Record of Application, etc. , to be entered upon 482 

MONEY. 

{See Funds.) 

NEW LODGES. 

Petitition for Charter for 598 

No one can become Charter member of, except signers of applica- 
tion. ... .... a 599 

Extension of Charter privileges to _ 600 

Joining by card 601, 602 

Duty of Recorder of, to notify Lodges from which cards were is- 
sued.... 629,630 

Duty of instituting officer with regard to— assessments of member 

joining by card. _. 602 

Expelled or suspended members cannot become Charter members of, 604 

Applicants for, must undergo medical examination 605 

Applications and certificates to be forwarded by instituting officer, 606 

Issue of beneficiary certificates to members of 202 

Balloting by petitioners for 607 

Instruction in degrees in 608 

Election of officers in 609 

Term of officers in 610 

Trustees of - 611 

Fee for degrees in 612, 613 

For deposit of card in 614 

For Charier of. 615 

Suppliesto - 616 

Not to be instituted but by regularly authorized instituting officer. . 617 
(See Deputy Supreme Master Workman— instructions to.) 

OBJECTS OF THE ORDER. 

Enumeration of 658 

ODES. 

Must be used as printed in ritual 596 

Printing of, by Lodges, not prohibited 372 



175 

OFFCERS. 

(See Supreme Lodge Officers, Grand Lodge Officers, Subordinate 
Lodge Officers ; also separate titles of Officers.) 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

Master Workman can revert to an order of business without a motion, 660 

OVERSEER. 

Duties of. 422 

Is a member of Relief Committee ._ 459 

Does not preside in absence of Master Workman and Foreman, un- 
less Grand Lodges so provide 424 

PASS-WORDS. 

Semi-annual, when promulgated 589 

All lathers who are not suspended, entitled to -.590, 591 
Cannot be given to member of another Lodge on ver- 
bal Order 592 

Must be communicated to Subordinate Lodges by Dis- 
trict Deputy in person 593 

Degree word must be taken up by Guide, when.. 588 

Right of visiting member without lower degree 584 

Visitor must possess semi-annual and third degree 586 

Master Workman proper officer to instruct members in 585 

Cannot instruct visiting brother except on writ- 
ten authority _ 587,592 

How taken up at opening of Lodge 588 

PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMAN (ACTING). 

Office of, how filled 131 

Vacancy, how filled 131 

Duties of 150 

PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 

Cannot be elected except at organization of new Grand Lodge . 129 
When a Grand Lodge has not a sufficient number for Representatives, 
the Supreme Lodge will confer the rank upon Past Master Work- 
men elected as Representatives 130 

Rule in regard to attaining honors of .133 

Grand Recorders who have served two years, may be created 134 

To be created only by service, or as otherwise provided for by the 
Supreme Lodge _ 135 

PAST MASTER WORKMA& (SITTING). 

Duties of 529, 530 

Absence of,' or vacancy in office... 531 

Station of, may be filled pro tern ._ 531 

Vacancy in office, how filled in Lodges having no Past Master Work- 
man _ 532 

Does no hold over when Master Workman is re-elected 533 

Lodge must fill the position when Master Workman is re-elected ... 533 

PAST MASTER WORKMAN. 

Howtitle is acquired *_. 535 

Representative elected to form new Grand Lodge, becomes 534 

Elected at institution of new Lodge 536 

Rank acquired by passing the Master Workman's chair 536, 537 

A Master Workman who resigns before the expiration of term, not 

entitled to the honors 540 

A Master Workmen re-elected becomes a Past Master Workman at 

the close of his first term 541 

Rank, when duly attained, not lost by resignation of office 538 

Who Grand Lodges must confer degree upon 542 

May be admitted to Supreme Lodge as visitor 78 

Is eligible to appointment on Grand Lodge Committee, whether a 

Representative or not 117, 118 

Is eligible to office in Grand Lodge, although not a Representative.. 117 
Rank not attained by service without servings the majority of the 

meeting of term or remainder of term _ _ 542 

Officer filling chair at end of term, to become 384 



176 



PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN (ACTING). 

Shall perform such appropriate duties as are required of him 51 

Shall succeed to duties of Supreme Master Workman, when 52 

Is entitled to a vote _ 53 

Vacancy in office of _ „ 53 

PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 

Take precedence according to date of attaining honors 31 

Entitled to all rights of membership in Supreme Lodge, except the 
right to vote 71 

PAST SUPREME OFFICERS. 

Oldest to preside in Supreme Lodge, when 72 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

Grand Lodges to pay five cents for each member under their juris- 
diction on the 1st of January . .._ 160 

Grand Lodges instituted after January 1st not to pay 161 

Not to be paid on Junior or Senior Workman Degree members 162 

From Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of Supreme 

Lodge 161, 352, 397 

Grand Lodges control subject of, within their jurisdictions 353 

PRINTING AND SUPPLIES. 

Charters, rituals and cards to be furnished only by the Supreme 

Lodge .-_ _ _ 2 

Supreme Recorder to receive proposals for _ 103 

Finance Committee to award contracts for 58 

Printing of secret work or withdrawal, clearance or traveling 

cards by a Lodge, a cause for suspension. _. 372 

Ode cards not included in prohibited work... 372 

PROCESSIONS. 

Not to take place without special permission 669 

PUBLICATIONS. 

Reflecting upon Lodges or members 670 

RECORDER. 

To send names of expelled members, with monthly returns 146 

Keep alphabetical record of all persons expelled from the Order, 146 

Make monthly report of beneficiary certificates 222 

Keep minutes of Lodge proceedings - - 426 

Attest all orders 426 

Make out semi-annual report _ 426 

Make out monthly report 426, 433 

Conduct the correspondence of the Lodge 426 

Have charge of seal and records 426 

Notify applicants when elected - 426 

Give notice of transfers of membership into or out of the Lodge, 426 

Make record of suspension of certificate 210 

Make entry in the minutes of renewal of beneficiary certificates, 

215, 216 

Make record of forwarding of Beneficiary Fund 428 

Note in register book the renewal of beneficiary certificates, with 

date - - 429 

Enter Financier's report upon minutes 271 

Give notice of reinstatements 315,431 

Death of member 227 

Send all notices and reports not otherwise provided for 432 

Forward Medical Examiner's Certificate and notice on reinstate- 
ment of suspended member 320 

Forward application for beneficiary certificate, etc 195 

RECEIVER. 

To keep a separate and distinct account of the Beneficiary Fund... 269 
Duty of, when two or more assessments are made at the same time, 

J 275, 276 
Duty to forward Beneficiary Fund immediately, 212, 213, 273, 283, 284, 285 
To receive all moneys from Financier 434 



. 



177 

To Pay all orders properly drawn on him 434 

Keep correct account of moneys received and paid out 434 

Keep Beneficiary Fund separate 434 

Forward Beneficiary Fund upon receipt of notice 434,436 

Required to give bond 434 

To forward required fee with Beneficiary Fund 437 

REGALIA. 

Regulated by Supreme Lodge 7 

Subordinate Lodges must procure and use 568 

Description of Supreme Lodge... 574, 575 

Grand Lodge 572-573 

Subordinate Lodge 567-571 

Funeral ... 576,577 

Procession 578 

Degree of Honor 579 

Wearing of, in Lodge room _ _. 363 

In public procession 364 

Emblem of the Order _ 563 

Badge of the Order 564 

Officers' jewels 565, 566 

REINSTATEMENT. 

Of member holding final card _ _ 315, 316 

Of member suspended for non-payment of dues or assessments 315 

Of member suspended under penal laws. 321 

May take place after member is fifty years of age 318, 319 

Amount to be paid upon 315, 317 

Arrearages of assessments to be forwarded to Grand Recorder 320 

Notice of, and medical certificate to be forwarded 320 

Applicant for, must apply in same manner as applicant for initia- 
tion 315 

Fee for, to go into Library Fund or Lodge Fund 315 

Final card, if issued or proof of its loss, must be produced upon ap- 
plication for 324 

Old beneficiary certificate must be produced or shown to be lost 325 

After penal suspension for a specified time 322 

Of member of suspended Lodge _ 327 

To be made only in Lodge to which suspended member belonged.. 328 
Of person holding final card may be made in any Subordinate Lodge 

of the jurisdiction 316 

Cannot be affected by reconsidering vote accepting withdrawal 326 

RENEWAL OF BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

Within three months from forfeiture 214 

Not to take effect until record is made .-... 216 

Within six months from f orf eiture 217 

All assessments made during suspension to be paid up 214 

REPORTS. 

(See Subordinate Lodges, Supreme Recorder, Grand Recorder, etc.) 

REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGES. 

Three to be elected by each Subordinate Lodge when new Grand 
Lodge is to be formed.. _ Ill 

To be Past Master Workmen in good standing.. 111 

Quota of, may be filled by election of Master Workmen degree mem- 
bers, when the Lodge has not three Past Master Workmen 112 

Election of, after Grand Lodge is formed 154 

REPRESENTATIVES OF SUPREME LODGE. 

Each Grand Lodge entitled to three 73 

Must be Past Grand Master Workmen 74 

Shall not be enrolled as members, if their Grand Lodge fails to pay 

assessments or make returns 75 

Vacancy in office of, may be filled by appointment 76 

Mileage and per diem of - 100 

Maybe elected from those who have not filled the position of Grand 

Master Workman, when .-■ 130 

Are officers of Grand Lodges from which they are sent 139 



RITUALS. 

Must not be taken from Lodge room 594 

Officers may copy lectures from, how 594 

RULES OF ORDER. 

Of Supreme Lodge 88 

"Roberts' Rules of Order " the parliamentary manual for Supreme 
and Grand Lodges 659 

(See Subordinate Lodge Rules of Order.) 

SEALS. 

Impress of Supreme and Grand Lodges to be used by Supreme and 
Grand Recorders 9$ 

Electrotype, to be used by Supreme and Grand Master Workmen. .. 93 
Chromatic, to be attached to Charters issued by Supreme Lodge.. . 94 

Rules in regard to. ... ... _ 666 

District Deputies may use printed, of Grand Lodge 666 

SECRET JOURNAL. 

To contain a record of the secret work of the Order 87 

To be in the possession of the Supreme Master Workman 87 

SECRET WORK. 

Under absolute control of the Supreme Lodge 8 

Obligations must be used as given by Supreme Lodge 595 

SEPARATE JURISDICTIONS. 

(See Or and Lodges as Separate Beneficiary Jurisdictions.) 

SICK BENEFITS. 

Subordin ate Lodges may or may not provide for 543, 544 

General provisions relating to _ 545 

SICK AND DISABLED MEMBERS. 

Duty of Relief Committee concerning 459 

Members to attend to 547, 548 

SIGNS. 

Master Workman the proper officer to instruct members in 585 

Cannot instruct visiting brother in, without writ- 
ten authority 587 

Visiting brother must be in possession of 586 

SPURIOUS LODGES. 

Penalty for countenancing 665 

Member of, not to be received in regular Lodge 665 

STATED MEETINGS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Under immediate jurisdiction of Supreme Lodge, held weekly 338 

Grand Lodges may permit their Subordinates to meet once in two 

weeks, or semi-monthly 124 

When meetings are not weekly, the term of officers must be twelve 

months _ 124 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Form of style or title 329 

Not to be named after living persons 330 

How numbered -• 109 

Cannot consist of less than ten members 332, 333, 334 

Quorum for transaction of business 336, 337 

Stated meetings of 338 

May be postponed when falling on a legal holiday 340 

Special meetings of _. 341, 342 

May not hold meetings on Sunday .. 346 

Semi-annual terms of 347 

Cannot be independent of their Grand Lodges 348 

Cannot become incorporated without permission of Grand Lodge.. 349 

Power of, to control their own affairs 350 

Disposal of funds and property 351 

Per capita tax from 352, 53 

Power to make by-laws 354,355 

Must adopt by-laws — - 356 



179 

Monthly reports from 357, 358,360 

Semi-annual reports from 359, 360 

Must transact all business, when open, in Master Workman degree, 361 

Right of visiting in _ 362 

Wearing of regalia in 363 

Have no right to appear in public in regalia, without permission 364 

Sustaining of libraries in 367 

Surrender of charter of 369 

Suspension of, for various causes 370 

For contempt _ 371 

For illegal printing 372 

Disposal of funds, etc 373 

Status of when Grand Lodge is suspended 375 

Reorganization of. when permissible _ 378 

Membership in two at same time unlawful 365 

General fund of, how paid out ._ 366 

Library fund of _ 367 

Status of, informally organized 617 

Reinstatement of, after suspension 374 

SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS. 

Of whom consisting 379 

To be elected semi-annually 379 

If Lodge meets semi-monthly, term of, to be one year 339 

Grand Lodges may make term of, one year in all cases 124 

To hold office until their successors are elected and installed - 382 

Honors to belong to brother filling vacancy till end of term.. 384 

Nominations for... 385, 386, 387 

Election of, how conducted ...388,389,390 

A majority of all votes cast, necessary to elect 389, 391 

Installation of, when and by whom conducted 393, 396 

Not to be public 286 

Must be at stated meeting 399 

Power of Grand Lodges over subject _ 400 

In Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of 

Supreme Lodge 397 

Relative rank of 401 

Bondsof, to be approved before installation 402. 405 

Must give new bonds when re-elected 406 

To deposit and pay out money officially _ 407 

May vacate office by absence from meetings 453, 532 

Maybe removed for inattention or misconduct 454 

Are liable to suspension for non-payment of dues or assessments .. 456 

Vacation of office, by absence _ 532 

(See separate titles of officers.) 
SUBORDINATE LODGE RULES OF ORDER— Chapter XXY, Page 128. 
[The figures refer to the numbers of the Rules.] 

Adjournment, motion for 52 

Amendment, motion for 24 

To amend an 25 

Form of. _ 26 

By substitute 27 

Appeal from decision of Chair 8 

Debate upon 9 

Blanks, how filled 28 

Committee, mover of resolution for, usually named first upon 43 

Chairman of 42 

Member not compelled to serve on more than two 44 

Reception of report of - 46 

Discharged, without motion when report is received ... 47 

Report of, may be amended, etc 45 

Debate, order in 12-19 

J Limiting in advance 48 

Decorum in the Lodge 10 

Disorderly conduct 11 

Division of the Lodge 30 

Of the question 29 



180 

Indefinite postponement, effect of. 41 

Lie on the table, motion to ._"_____"" "II "]_ 35 

Taking up subject after adoption of motion to"" " - 36 

Master Workman shall preserve order, etc 3 

Decide questions of order and law 3, 4 

When entitled to vote 5 

Must call Foreman to the chair, if wishing to de- 
bate _ 6 

Absence of "....".'."."." 7 

Can speak from chair on an appeal 9 

Member not to be interrupted 14 

Conduct of, in debate 13 

To take his seat, when called to order 15 

Not to speak twice, etc. 16 

To designate officer and member by proper rank 19 

Not to reflect upon Lodge, etc 19 

Motion, must be stated before debate 20 

May be prefaced by explanation 21 

Cannot be withdrawn, without consent, after being stated 

from the chair • 22 

Motions not subject to amendment, what 32 

Not debatable, what 33 

Precedence of 34 

Order of business may be suspended 2 

Postponement, to certain time _. 34 

Indefinite..... 34 

Effect of 41 

Previous question, call for..... 37 

If not sustained 38 

Question of order to be decided without debate 4 

Reading papers, etc 49-51 

Reconsider, motion to 39 

Reconsideration, effect of 41 

Suspension of rules 53 

Yeas and nays, call for 31 

SUNDAY. 

Business meetings, excursions, etc., of Lodges, prohibited, on 664 

SUPREME FOREMAN, 

To perform duties appropriate to his office 33 

To succeed to office of Supreme Master Workman in case of va- 
cancy 32 

To act with Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Overseer in 

approving official bonds 29 

SUPREME GUIDE, 

To perform duties appropriate to his station 48 

SUPREME LODGE. 

Name and style of 1 

Jurisdiction and powers of 2 

Has origi nal jurisdiction over all subjects pertaining to the welfare 

of the Order 2 

Enactments and decisions of, are supreme law in the Order 2 

Appellate jurisdiction of, 2 

Power to issue Charters 2 

Over Grand and Subordinate Lodges 2 

To regulate unwritten work 2 

Provide and print charters, rituals, cards, etc 2 

Make assessments for revenue 2 

Promote honor and welfare of the Order 2 

Shall issue beneficiary certificates, or cause them to be issued 4 

What laws of, are general 5 

Power to extend the Order 6 

Regulate regalia, emblems, etc 7 

Correct a Grand Lodge Constitution 9 

Of whom composed - 10 

Annual meetings - 11 



181 

Special meetings 12 

Quorum for business 13 

Standing committees, appointment of 54, 55 

Special committees, appointment of 70 

Voting, ratio and manner of _ 77 

Visitors _. 78 

Rules of order 88 

Order of business 90 

Parliamentary manual _ 89 

Not to accept invitations, unless by a two-thirds vote 92 

Distinguishing color of, purple _ 97 

Financial year to begin March 1st ,98, 99 

Mileage and per diem 100 

Moneys, how paid out 101, 102 

"Revenue of 104 

Constitution of, how amended 105 

General laws, how amended by 107 

Decisions of 84, 85 

Regalia of 574, 575 

Invitations not to be accepted by, without a two-thirds vote 92 

SUPREME LODGE COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES. 
Appointed at beginning of annual meeting, to serve during the meet- 
ing. __._ _ 66 

Dutiesof 65 

SUPREME LODGE COMMITTEE OR RETURNS. 

To he appointed at the beginning of each annual meeting 57 

To examine and report upon all returns and credentials 69 

SUPREME LODGE FINANCE COMMITTEE. 

To be appointed at the close of each annual meeting 55 

To meet three days before time of annual meeting - 56 

To' submit reports on or before second day of annual meeting 56 

To examine all bills presented to the Supreme Lodge 58 

To make out roll of mileage and per diem 58 

To award contracts for printing and supplies 58 

To fix prices of supplies 58 

To examine books and accounts of Supreme Recorder and Supreme 

Receiver 58 

To make annual statement of property and assets and liabilities 58 

To attest monthly statements of Supreme Recorder 59 

Order not to be made upon the Beneficiary Fund without their ap- 
proval _ „ _ 61 

All bills to be endorsed by a majority of. before payment 62 

Chairman of, may select assistance, when 63 

SUPREME LODGE COMMITTEE ON LAWS AND SUPERVISION. 

To be appointed at the close of each annual meeting 55 

To meet three days before time of annual meeting 56 

To submit reports on or before second day of meeting 56 

To report upon Constitutions. By-Laws, etc., of Grand Lodges, and 

of Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction 67 

Reports of to be made to the Supreme Master Workman during in- 
terim _ 67 

Tp examine and report upon appeals and grievances during interim, 68 
SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS. 

Election and terms of 14 

Election shall not take place until reports are made 14 

Eligibility 17 

Rank of 19 

Installation of - -- 22 

If not present for installation, Supreme Lodge may declare office 

vacant - 23 

Bonds of, to contain specified clause - 27 

To be approved 29 

Salaries of, to be fixed before election 16 

Mileage and per diem of 100 

May act in capacity of Representatives 18 



182 

SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 

To preside in the Supreme Lodge 29 

To discharge executive functions when the Supreme Lodge is not in 

session 29 

To regulate Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction 

of the Supreme Lodge 29 

Power to suspend officers and fill their places 29 

To grant dispensations and charters 29 

To appoint deputies -. 29 

To make annual report 29 

Establish semi-annual pass-word 29 

Act upon appeals : 29 

Approve official bonds, in conjunction with Supreme Foreman 

and Overseer _ 29 

Sign all official documents 29 

Perform such other duties as may be required of him 29 

Exercise supervision over Grand Lodges 31 

Install or cause Grand Lodge officers to be installed 30 

Vacancy in office of 32 

Compensation of, for instituting a Grand Lodge — 82 

SUPREME OVERSEER. 

To perform duties appropriate to his station 35 

Succeed to duties of Supreme Master Workman , when 32 

Act with Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Foreman in 
approving official bonds -.25, 29 

SUPREME RECORDER. 

To record transactions of Supreme Lodge 37 

Sign charters, dispensations, etc - 37 

Keep financial account .. 37 

Report to the Supreme Lodge ,.- 37 

Conduct correspondence of the Supreme Lodge 37 

Attend all meetings of the Supreme Lodge 1 37 

Make monthly statement of Beneficiary Fund of Supreme 

Lodge- 38 

Publish monthly statement of Beneficiary Fund received from 

Grand Lodges 39 

Make monthly reports of Beneficiary Fund of separate jurisdic- 
tions 40 

Publish monthly lists of expelled members - 40 

Make monthly statement of General Fund 41 

Make record of Beneficiary Fund of each separate jurisdiction, 42 
Pay over General Fund to Supreme Receiver when amount 

reaches $50 43 

Keep record of deaths in his jurisdiction 44 

Execute bonds . 37 

Penalty of bond of ... 26 

Have report printed before annual meeting 45 

Receive proposals for printing and supplies 103 

Duties of, upon formation of new Grand Lodge 159 

SUPREME RECEIVER. 

To take charge of Supreme Lodge funds and property 46 

Pay orders properly drawn on him 46 

Render itemized account .. 46 

Deliver books and papers for examination 46 

Execute receipts, how 46 

Shall give bond _ 25 

Penalty of bond of 26 

SUPREME TRUSTEES. 

Senior in office ranks first 20 

To perform such duties as may be required 50 

SUPREME WATCHMAN. 

To perform duties appropriate to his station 49 



183 

SUSPENSION. 

Note in regard to 295, 296, 297, 298 

Cannot be imposed as a penalty for non-attendance at Lodge meet- 
ings 308 

(See below for various kinds of suspension.) 

SUSPENSION OF BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

When to take place for non-payment of assessment 248 

When and how reported and recorded _ 210 

How removed 214, 215 

For delinquency of Subordinate Lodge, effect of . .216, 217 

Causes forfeiture of no right except that of participation in Benefi- 
ciary Fund.... .215, 307 

Status of member, during _ 218, 307 

- Does not deprive member of the right to vote or hold office 219 

Takes place when member is suspended for non-payment of dues or 

for improper conduct 307 

Note upon effect of 296 

(See Renewal of Beneficiary Certificate.) 

SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 
(See preliminary note to Chapter IX.) 

For non-payment of assessments for six months 299 

Declaration of , by Master Workman 301 

Take place without report 302 

For non-payment of dues - 303, 304 

Not to take place for less than six months 1 arrearages of dues or as- 
sessments ..-305, 306 

Qraud Lodges regulate the subject as to dues.. 306 

Non-attendance at Lodge meetings not a cause for 308 

Suspended member cannot be initiated as a new member 309 

Cannot join another Lodge 310 

Forfeits all claims to the Beneficiary Fund 312 

Deprives member of all rights and benefits of the Order 307, 313 

For violation of laws of the Order, etc 636, 644 

For definite time, under penal laws 322 

Indefinite 321 

SUSPENSION OF GRAND LODGE. 

For failure to pay per capita tax, or make returns .. 163 

Subordinate Lodges revert to jurisdiction of Supreme Lodge, during 

such suspen sion 165 

Effect of, on Past Master Workman 164 

SUSPENSION OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Causes for 370, 371 372 

TRUSTEES. 

How elected, and term of 379 

Duties of 452 

Required to give bonds 452 

TRAVELING. 

In foreign lands does not affect beneficiary rights 667, 668 

UNWRITTEN WORK. 

Is regulated and controlled by the Supreme Lodge 2 

Cannot be altered or amended except by a two-thirds vote 86 

VACANCY IN OFFICE. 

Of Supreme Master Workman 32 

Representative to Supreme Lodge 76 

Junior Past Supreme Master Workman 53 

Grand Master Workman 141 

Acting Past Grand Master Workman 131 

Master Workman 419 

By absence from Lodge meetings 453 

How filled in Subordinate Lodge ,. 455 

Declaration of, by Master Workman 532 



184 

WATCHMAN, INSIDE. 

Duties of 450 

WATCHMAN, OUTSIDE. 

Duties of 441 

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ORD£R. 

How effected <#*$£ 635 






